Attorney General Troy King recently presented the Alabama Safe Schools 2006 Awards of Excellence during visits to eight schools throughout the state, beginning at Florence Middle School.

Additional schools to receive the honor in coming weeks will include Huntsville High School, Spain Park High School in Hoover, Oak Park Middle School in Decatur, Nichols-Lawson Middle School in Sylacauga, Greenville High School, Austin High School in Decatur, and Decatur High School.

&8220;We are reminded of the need for continued vigilance, as we recall the alarming instances of recent violence in our nation&8217;s schools,&8221; said Attorney General King.

&8220;While these events are deeply disturbing to us, I am reassured by the commitment exhibited by these schools in Alabama to keep our children safe in the face of the severe challenges we face today.

&8220;In my own days as a young student, I remember the stress of trying to make good grades and of dealing with classes and classmates.

&8220;Thankfully, we were spared the stress of shootings that killed and maimed students and teachers, and we did not have to worry about such horror happening at our schools. We must work together to do everything possible to protect our children from these dangers and fears.&8221;

He praised Alabama&8217;s schools, particularly the upcoming award recipients, proclaiming that their students &8220;no longer have to worry about what your school will do. Your school is prepared, and good preparation leads to prevention.&8221;

Attorney General King noted Alabama&8217;s progress statewide to protect school children and teachers. &8220;For the past seven years, the Office of Attorney General has sponsored the Alabama Safe Schools Initiative.

&8220;Following the nation&8217;s worst incident of violence on school property at Columbine High School in Colorado, the Alabama Departments of Education and Public Safety worked with my office to provide the state&8217;s public and private schools with resources that would help them create a team of community resources and expertise that is, in my opinion, crucial to school safety efforts.&8221;

An independent panel of law enforcement and emergency response officers, teachers, school administrators and parents selected eight schools to be honored from among 36 nominations received this summer.

Some recipients of the Alabama Safe Schools 2006 Awards of Excellence also received awards in previous years and are recognized again for their continued outstanding achievements.

&8220;We honor the hard work of the students, staff, parents, and administrators of these schools, and recognize their efforts to prepare themselves to deal with an emergency situation,&8221; said Attorney General King.