Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — At its September board meeting, the Orange Beach Board of Education recognized dozens of educators for their success in helping students achieve some of the highest marks in Alabama. According to the press release, teachers from elementary through high school were honored for statewide rankings and improvements in Advanced Placement test scores. In total, educators received $103,700 in incentives. Board members said the recognition reflected both the dedication of teachers and the broader commitment of the school system to academic growth.

The meeting was held Thursday, September 11, 2025, during the Board’s regular session. Teachers were celebrated for helping their students place among the top five statewide in the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP), one of the state’s most rigorous academic measures. Recognition also extended to educators in early grades, where Orange Beach students ranked in the top five statewide for second-grade reading proficiency.

Honorees included elementary educators such as Becca Atkins and Abby Bauer in third grade math, along with high school teachers like Chesley Sullivan in Biology and Drew Castillow in Calculus. Teachers from preschool through second grade were recognized for reaching a 95 percent proficiency rate in reading, a standard few districts meet consistently. Each of these educators, the Board noted, helped raise the overall standing of Orange Beach City Schools.

At the high school level, Advanced Placement teachers saw a 73 percent passage rate, up 14 percent from the prior year. The district reported a record 385 qualifying scores across subjects including English Composition, U.S. History, and Statistics. Teachers received $200 per qualifying score as recognition for their efforts. Castillow said the gains were the result of support from the board and community, which allowed teachers to focus on preparing students for more demanding coursework.

Orange Beach Elementary School was also highlighted for placing in the top 10 out of more than 1,500 public schools across the state. Every employee at the school will receive $350 in recognition of the achievement. Board officials pointed to the honor as an example of how strong teaching and community involvement can lift outcomes for students across grade levels.

In district-wide rankings, Orange Beach City Schools placed first in science, second in math, and fourth in English Language Arts on the ACAP, outpacing more than 150 other school systems in Alabama. Teachers credited teamwork, intervention support, and family involvement for the results. “I am honored to be recognized by the Board for all the hard work my students and I have put in this past year,” said elementary teacher Laura Brannon, whose class achieved full proficiency.

The meeting closed with board members reaffirming their commitment to supporting professional development and resources for teachers. Leaders said the recognition is not only about celebrating past success but also about setting expectations for the years ahead.