SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Attorney General Steve Marshall presented Nichols-Lawson Middle School with the Attorney General’s Safe School Initiative Award of Excellence on Monday.
“In these times, we are all intensely aware of the serious responsibility our schools carry for the safekeeping of our children,” said Attorney General Marshall. “Recent events have been heartbreaking reminders that we must remain vigilant and committed to provide the best protections possible in Alabama’s schools. I am pleased to carry on this important tradition of the Attorney General’s Office, to recognize schools throughout our state for dedication and excellence in keeping students safe. Each day that parents leave their children at school, they are entrusting what they hold most precious into the care of schoolteachers, principals, school resource officers and other staff. With these awards, we honor those who have achieved particularly high standards and set examples that others may follow. We are grateful for their service and commitment to protecting the children of Alabama.”
In presenting the award today, Attorney General Marshall said, “The Attorney General’s Office is proud that Nichols-Lawson Middle School was selected as one of the 10 winning schools in Alabama for 2017. In making this decision, judges noted many things that distinguished Nichols-Lawson Middle School: an Emergency Operations Planning team with members of school staff as well as police and fire departments, the use of school resource officers not just during the day but also for after-school events and summer programs, and a CHAMPIONS initiative that focuses on virtues that young people need to become successful adults.”
Nichols-Lawson Middle School Principal Gary Rivers said, “Nichols-Lawson Middle School is worthy of laying claim to being one of the recipients of the Safe School Award as part of the Attorney General’s Alabama Safe School Initiative. Nichols-Lawson Middle School is a safe and effective school that is orderly, resolute, professional, and work son a continuous basis to prepare students and staff in crisis management. Our schools atmosphere is not oppressive and is very much conducive to teaching and learning. This is all made possible because of the support and collaboration of our school board,local police and fire departments, school staff, and community.”
