Attorney General's Office Presents Safe School Initiative Award to UMS Wright Preparatory School in Mobile

February 5, 2025 - MOBILE, AL - Attorney General Steve Marshall's Office presented the 2024 Safe School Initiative Award to UMS Wright Preparatory School in Mobile, Alabama. The award was presented by Katherine Robertson, Chief Counsel to the Attorney General, in recognition of the school's outstanding implementation of safety plans and its efforts to address current trends in school safety.

"UMS Wright Preparatory School exemplifies what it means to prioritize the safety and well-being of students. Their proactive approach, strong partnerships, and unwavering commitment to preparedness set a standard for schools across Alabama. This award is a testament to their dedication to fostering a secure and supportive learning environment where students and staff can thrive," Attorney General Steve Marshall said.

Attorney General Marshall continued, "The Attorney General's Office is proud that UMS Wright Preparatory School was selected as one of the winning schools in Alabama for 2024. In making this decision, judges noted many things that distinguished UMS Wright Preparatory School including: bi-annual "Stop the Bleed" training; excellent safety trainings each semester coupled with monthly schoolwide emergency drills; strong partnerships with local emergency response agencies; and the implementation of the emergency platform CrisisGo.

Garrett Humphrey, Director of Campus Safety and Security, provided the following statement regarding the award: "Winning the 2024 School Safe Award is a tremendous honor for UMS-Wright, and it reflects the unwavering commitment of our three sheriff's deputies, security team, students, faculty, and staff to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. Safety is not just about protocols and procedures-it's about a collective mindset, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone in our school community for making it a top priority each and every day. Their vigilance, cooperation, and dedication ensure that UMS-Wright remains a place where learning and growth can thrive in a secure atmosphere. This award is a testament to all of our efforts, and I am proud to be a part of such a dedicated team."

The selection process featured a comprehensive application and review process by a panel of independent judges who possess real-world insight into school safety trends. All applicants were evaluated in their ability to enhance safe school protocols through preparation and training; collaboration with local emergency response agencies; involvement of school resource officer or alternate security personnel; structure and innovation of safety technology, community participation; and law-related and prevention education.

For the Attorney General's Safe Schools Initiative, six schools from across the State of Alabama were selected to receive the Safe School Award, the highest achievement. Those winners are: Orange Beach Middle & High School, Orange Beach; UMS-Wright Preparatory School, Mobile; Ladonia Elementary School, Phenix City; Russellville Elementary School, Russellville; Cullman City Primary School, Cullman; and Elvin Hill Elementary School, Columbiana.

An additional eight schools exceeded the minimum state requirements and exhibited dedication to higher standards for student learning, mental health, and safety. These schools were recognized by receiving a congratulatory letter and certificate from the Attorney General.