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At Orange Beach City Schools, we live “The Mako Way” by striving each day to model our core values of Respect, Trust, Caring, Honesty, and Integrity in everything we do. These values guide how we learn, lead, and support one another, shaping a positive and strong school community. We hope you will join us in living the Mako Way as well!

Dear Orange Beach City Schools Family, As we close another school year, I am reminded that the story of Orange Beach City Schools (OBCS) is still being written. We are a young school system, but the evidence is clear: our students, employees, Board of Education, families, and community partners are building something truly special. This year, our academic results continued to affirm the district’s direction. OBCS performed at one of the highest levels in Alabama, with outstanding ACAP rankings across all subjects. Our ACT scores continued to climb, with the junior composite increasing from 18.7 in 2023 to 20.6 in 2026. Graduation rates remain exceptionally strong, and our students continue to benefit from expanded opportunities, including 13 Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment options through four colleges and universities. This year also brought continued success beyond the classroom. Orange Beach athletics experienced another historic year, including softball’s continued championship excellence and cheerleading’s second consecutive state title. The arts also reached new heights, with record visual art participation at the state level, outstanding concert performances, Broadway professionals working alongside our students, and the marching band hosting its first-ever festival. We also continued building for the future. The new Orange Beach Athletic Complex represents a major investment in student opportunity, school pride, and community engagement. The GOMESA grant helped make possible a complete renovation of the Sea, Sand, and Stars Environmental Learning Center, strengthening place-based learning connected to the Gulf Coast. These investments reflect our continued commitment to providing students with meaningful opportunities in academics, athletics, the arts, environmental learning, and career-connected experiences. As we look ahead, our next chapter will be guided by Graduate by Design. This initiative will help us define, align, and measure what it means to be a Mako Graduate. It will connect our strategic plan, curriculum, instruction, personnel, facilities, and budget to one central question: What do we want every student to know, experience, and become before they leave Orange Beach City Schools? The goal is simple, but powerful. We do not want student outcomes to happen by accident. We want them designed with intention, supported by strong systems, and lived out through The Mako Way: caring, honesty, respect, integrity, and trust. Thank you for believing in our schools, supporting our students, and helping make Orange Beach City Schools one of the most exciting school systems in Alabama. The first few chapters have been remarkable. The next chapter begins now.

ORANGE BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

TOP 25 IN ALABAMA

Orange Beach Elementary School was recognized as a Top 25 School in Alabama through the Legislative School Performance Recognition Program! We are so proud of our students, teachers, staff, and families who make this success possible every day.

AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE

STATE REPORT CARD SCORE

O R AN GE B E AC H M IDDLE & HIG H S C H O O L

PERFECT FINISH

Orange Beach Middle & High School’s Class of 2026 achieved an impressive milestone, earning both a 100% graduation rate and a 100% credentialing rate, reflecting the school’s commitment to preparing every student for success beyond the classroom.

AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE

STATE REPORT CARD SCORE

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM

Orange Beach City Schools continues to make significant strides in improving student attendance, with chronic absenteeism rates declining consistently across the district over the past four school years. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 18 or more school days, including both excused and unexcused absences. Through a continued emphasis on student engagement, family partnerships, and the importance of regular attendance, both Orange Beach Elementary School and Orange Beach Middle & High School have demonstrated substantial improvement, reinforcing the district’s commitment to keeping students in the classroom and on the path to success.

GIFTED & SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

203

STUDENTS DETERMINED ELIGIBLE FOR GIFTED SERVICES

100%

ON ALL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS!

114

STUDENTS DETERMINED ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

FINANCES

Orange Beach City Schools continues to benefit from a strong financial foundation, with local revenue serving as the primary source of funding for district operations. This significant local investment reflects the community’s commitment to public education and provides essential resources to support students, employees, and educational opportunities. With more than half of the district’s resources dedicated to instruction, OBCS remains focused on ensuring every dollar aligns with its mission of academic excellence, responsible stewardship, and long-term student success.

COMPASS COIN AWARD The Compass Coin is an honor presented to an Orange Beach City Schools student who exemplifies The Mako Way in both character and action. This award recognizes students who consistently demonstrate Caring, Honesty, Respect, Integrity, and Trust while leading by example in the classroom, in extracurricular activities, and throughout the school community. The Compass Coin symbolizes the direction we hope every OBCS student will follow, one grounded in strong values, personal responsibility, service to others, and a commitment to excellence. Recipients of this award reflect the heart of our schools and the standard of character we strive to cultivate in every student.

ARIANNA SANTOS

We were proud to present the first-ever Compass Coin to Arianna Santos. Arianna is a junior who truly does it all. She is a dedicated member of our Girls Basketball team and a dependable part of our Digital Media Crew, serving at football games, the Sounds of the Island Band Festival, and Boys Basketball games. She is an A Honor Roll student and has maintained perfect attendance so far this year. But what makes Arianna most deserving of this honor is her character. She leads by example. She shows up. She steps up. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. Arianna embodies The Mako Way.

RED RIBBON LEADERSHIP The Superintendent’s Red Ribbon Leadership Program celebration, hosted by the Drug Education Council, Inc, recognized Red Ribbon Leaders from across Baldwin County for their impactful Hometown Heroes campaigns. Orange Beach Elementary School Red Ribbon Leader, Walker Wilkins, was among this year’s honorees! Walker was recognized for leading a schoolwide supply drive in support of the Orange Beach Fire Department. By organizing each grade level to collect essential items like paper towels, wipes, snacks, sports drinks, and stuffed animals to comfort children in emergencies, he made a meaningful impact on both firefighters and the community they serve.

PAIGE LIPKE

We also proudly presented the Compass Coin to an exceptional senior, Paige Lipke. Paige represents the very best of OBCS. A dedicated leader in our arts programs, she serves as Drum Major of the Marching Makos and captivated audiences in the lead role of Mary Poppins. Her talent and commitment have left a lasting mark! Academically, Paige continues to set the standard for excellence. She earned a perfect 36 on the ACT and recently made school history as Orange Beach City Schools’ first National Merit Finalist. But beyond the accolades, Paige is a true leader. She leads with humility, kindness, and integrity.

9TH GRADE SERVICE DAY

The Class of 2029 participated in our annual 9th GradeService Day, a full-day experience dedicated to giving back to the local community through a variety of hands-on service projects across Orange Beach. Students arrived at their assigned service sites and immediately began working. Beach cleanup students began collecting debris and helping preserve the coastline. Other groups visited residential yardwork locations, raking leaves, weeding, trimming, and cleaning up yards for community members. Additional service groups supported environmental and community sites including the Wind and Water Learning Center and the Wildlife Center. After a morning full of giving back, the groups reconveined at the Waterfront Park at for lunch, courtesy of Vinny’s Pizza, and participated in a special tradition by placing handprints on the Class of 2029 banner. The events of the day concluded at with the “Battle of the Golden Rake” at the arcade, bringing a fun and competitive finish to a meaningful day of service. Throughout the day, students demonstrated responsibility, teamwork, and a willingness to serve others, making a visible impact across the community. Whether cleaning beaches, assisting homeowners, or supporting local environmental organizations, ninth graders showed strong character and school pride while contributing to the beauty and care of their surrounding area. Service Day continues to be an important tradition that connects students to real-world service and reinforces the value of giving back.

HEALTH OCCUPATIONS STUDENTS OF AMERICA

OBMHS students Khloe Kelley and Kendall Kruse represented the school at the HOSA State Leadership Conference 2026, competing in the Health Career Display category against more than 200 teams from across Alabama. The duo earned an impressive 6th place finish, marking a major accomplishment for the growing HOSA program. Khloe, a senior who serves as the chapter Historian, and Kendall, a sophomore and the chapter Vice President, have both played an important role in increasing membership and student interest in HOSA this year. Their dedication to the organization and the Health Science program has helped encourage other students to become involved and explore careers in healthcare. Kelley plans to pursue a career in nursing, while Kruse hopes to become an Occupational Therapist. Both students have shared their experiences from the conference with fellow chapter members and students interested in joining HOSA next year. According to their advisor, this achievement is especially meaningful because it is the first time Orange Beach High School HOSA has competed at the state level and placed in competition. The top five teams in the event were from well-established career technical schools across Alabama, making the accomplishment even more significant.

ATTORNEY GENERAL’S SAFE SCHOOL AWARD Orange Beach City Schools is incredibly proud that Orange Beach Middle & High School was named a recipient of the Alabama Attorney General’s Safe Schools Award for the second consecutive year, an elite honor recognizing schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to safety, preparedness, and student well-being. The Alabama Attorney General’s Safe Schools Initiative features a rigorous four-phase application and evaluation process designed to assess comprehensive school safety measures. Schools are evaluated on emergency preparedness, coordination with local law enforcement and emergency responders, staff training, and the effective use of safety technology. Orange Beach Middle & High School again distinguished itself by demonstrating excellence across all areas of review. Orange Beach Middle & High School’s repeat recognition reflects its proactive approach to emergency planning, strong partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency response agencies, ongoing staff training, and a schoolwide culture focused on student safety. Attorney General Marshall formally presented the 2025 Safe Schools Award to Orange Beach Middle and High School on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center.

CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA

The Cardboard Boat Regatta at Orange Beach Elementary School is a hands-on, project-based event where gifted students put creativity, engineering skills, and teamwork to the test by designing and building boats entirely out of cardboard and tape. After weeks of planning, sketching, and constructing, students bring their designs to life and race them to see whose boat can stay afloat the longest and travel the fastest. This event blends science, problem-solving, and collaboration in a fun, competitive setting. Students must think critically about buoyancy, structure, and materials while also learning how to iterate and improve their designs. The regatta is as much about innovation and perseverance as it is about speed, making it a memorable culminating experience for the gifted program.

BOATING SAFETY

The Boating Safety Program at Orange Beach Elementary School provides students with essential knowledge and hands-on experiences designed to promote safe practices on and around the water. Throughout the program, students learn important safety skills such as proper life jacket use, rip current awareness, heaving line toss techniques, and safe boarding procedures through interactive demonstrations and activities. Made possible through the support of local first responders, community partners, and volunteers, the program connects students with professionals who share real-world expertise and safety guidance. Students gain valuable skills that will help them stay safe while enjoying the waterways that are such an important part of life in Orange Beach!

ISLAND SCHOOLS SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Orange Beach City Schools proudly hosted the fourth annual Island Schools Special Olympics at Mako Stadium, bringing together student-athletes from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores City Schools for an unforgettable day of competition. The event kicked off with a special opening ceremony and torch run led by local first responders, setting the stage for the day. Athletes participated in a variety of track and field events, showcasing their abilities, celebrating personal achievements, and demonstrating what it truly means to be a champion. More than just a day of athletic competition, the Island Schools Special Olympics celebrates inclusion, friendship, and the power of community. Students, teachers, families, and volunteers from across the island came together to cheer on every athlete. The event serves as a meaningful reminder that success is measured in many ways and that every accomplishment, big or small, deserves to be celebrated! We are proud of our Special Olympics athletes for their hard work and accomplishments.

NOAA OCEAN GUARDIAN SCHOOL

Orange Beach Elementary School proudly celebrated its second year as a NOAA Ocean Guardian School, recognizing students’ continued commitment to environmental stewardship and marine conservation. Throughout the school year, fifth-grade students explored the impact of plastic pollution and microplastics on marine ecosystems through hands-on research, educational field trips, and community beach cleanups, collecting an impressive 161 pounds of marine debris. Students also created educational signs featuring QR codes linked to student-produced videos to raise awareness about marine pollution. Their efforts were recognized during a special academic pep rally, where students proudly accepted the school’s Year 2 Ocean Guardian School banner, celebrating their dedication to protecting the coastal environment.

COLLEGE FAIR

Orange Beach Middle & High School welcomed college and university representatives to campus for its annual College Fair, giving students the opportunity to explore their options for life after high school. Students connected directly with admissions representatives, learned about academic programs and scholarship opportunities, and gained valuable insight into the college application process. The event encouraged students to begin planning for their futures, discover new possibilities, and make informed decisions about their educational and career goals.

CAREER DAY

Orange Beach Middle & High School’s Career Day provided students with an opportunity to explore a variety of career paths while connecting with local businesses, industry leaders, and community professionals. Through engaging conversations and firsthand insights, students learned about different industries, educational pathways, and the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. From public safety and aviation to healthcare, finance, hospitality, and skilled trades, the event highlighted the many opportunities available beyond graduation. OBCS extends its appreciation to the local businesses and community partners who generously shared their time, knowledge, and experiences, helping inspire the next generation of professionals and empowering students to envision their futures with confidence.

Orange Beach Elementary School brought excitement and school spirit to ACAP testing season with its vibrant “Ready, Set, GLOW!” theme! Designed to motivate students and build confidence ahead of statewide assessments, the initiative encouraged Makos to shine bright and show what they know. Through colorful decorations, encouraging messages, and engaging activities, students were reminded that their hard work and preparation had set them up for success. More than just a testing theme, “Ready, Set, GLOW!” celebrated student achievement, positive attitudes, and the importance of giving your best effort, helping create an uplifting atmosphere as students prepared to put their knowledge to the test.

ONCE A MAKO, ALWAYS A MAKO!

The Mako journey doesn’t end at graduation! We recently invited Orange Beach High School alumni to reconnect with us and share where life has taken them since walking across the graduation stage. From college classrooms to exciting career opportunities, our former Makos are making their mark in a variety of ways. We’re proud to celebrate their accomplishments, share their stories, and stay connected as they continue to grow and succeed beyond Orange Beach. No matter where life takes them, they’ll always be part of Mako Nation!

MCKENNA JOHNSON | CLASS OF 2024 McKenna Johnson is pursuing a degree in Surgical Technology at Southern Union State Community College while gaining valuable hands-on experience as a medical assistant at Auburn Pediatric and Adult Medicine.

WESTON LEE | CLASS OF 2023 Weston Lee is currently attending Auburn University, where he is pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management. He also plans to minor in Construction Management, further expanding his knowledge and preparing for future career opportunities.

ROOK GWIN | CLASS OF 2024 Rook Gwin is studying Physics at Baylor University, where he is part of a CERN high-energy physics research group focused on the Large Hadron Collider’s CMS experiment. His research involves working with a specialized Hadronic Calorimeter test stand that simulates high-energy particle collisions, providing valuable hands-on experience in advanced physics research.

CHARLOTTE GRIFFIN | CLASS OF 2025 Charlotte Griffin is currently attending Auburn University, where she is pursuing a degree in Business Marketing and building a foundation for future career opportunities in the business world.

MAKO MELODIES

Six talented Mako Melodies students proudly represented Orange Beach Elementary School at the Alabama ACDA Young Voices Festival, held at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Charlotte Davis, Lilly Grace Hart, Ava Newton, Dallas Powell, Arielle Williams, and Zander Steinlage joined young singers from across the state for two days of intensive rehearsals and musical collaboration. Under the direction of nationally recognized music educators, students spent more than 12 hours preparing challenging choral selections before presenting a final concert in the Moody Music Building Auditorium.

DEFYING GRAVITY

Mako Melodies brought the magic of Wicked to the stage during their Spring Concert, featuring wonderful performances by Orange Beach Elementary’s talented fourth- through sixth-grade choir students. Under the direction of Mrs. Pugh, our young performers showcased their hard work, musical talents, and love for the arts in a memorable celebration of music!

SPRING CONCERTS

The Orange Beach Middle & High School Band Program celebrated a successful year of music with two memorable spring concerts showcasing the talent, growth, and dedication of its student musicians. The seventh-grade band took audiences on a musical journey through imaginative landscapes, bringing stories of flowing streams and magical worlds to life through their performances. The high school band’s Spring Concert featured musical selections by renowned composers Omar Thomas, Katahj Copley, and Jarod Hall, highlighting the students’ musicianship and hard work throughout the year. The evening also included a special recognition of the Class of 2026, celebrating the graduating seniors whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on the band program.

SEUSSICAL TAKES CENTER STAGE

Orange Beach Middle & High School’s Theatre Department brought the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life with its spring production of Seussical, held April 30–May 3 at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center. The production showcased the incredible talent, creativity, and dedication of student performers and crew members, bringing beloved characters and imaginative storytelling to the stage. Adding to the excitement, Broadway star Kevin Chamberlin, who originated the role of Horton in Seussical on Broadway, made a special visit to Orange Beach! Chamberlin spent time working with students, attended a performance, and even joined the cast onstage for a special encore. His visit created an unforgettable experience for the young performers and made an already memorable production even more extraordinary. With the support of families, local artists, theatre professionals, and the community, Seussical was a wonderful celebration of the performing arts and the remarkable opportunities available to OBCS students.

SIX STRAIGHT! A CHAMPIONSHIP LEGACY

The Orange Beach High School Softball Team continued its remarkable legacy of excellence in 2026, capturing its sixth consecutive AHSAA State Championship and further cementing its place among Alabama’s most accomplished high school softball programs. With another championship season in the books, the Lady Makos have built a tradition of success that reflects years of dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Winning a state championship is an extraordinary accomplishment, but maintaining that level of success for six consecutive seasons is a testament to the strength and consistency of the Orange Beach Softball program. Each year brings new challenges, new faces, and new opportunities, yet the Lady Makos continue to rise to the occasion. Behind every championship are countless hours of practice, determination, teamwork, and a shared commitment to representing Orange Beach with pride. Beyond the victories and championship trophies, the program continues to build a lasting legacy through the leadership of its coaches and the dedication of its student-athletes. Each graduating class leaves its mark while helping establish a standard for the next generation of Lady Makos to uphold. Supported by their families, school, and the entire Mako Nation, these athletes have created something truly special. Six consecutive state championships. One incredible legacy. Congratulations to our Lady Makos on another unforgettable season and for continuing to make Orange Beach proud!

BASEBALL The Orange Beach Baseball Team enjoyed a successful 2026 season, capturing the Area Championship and advancing to the second round of the AHSAA State Playoffs. The Makos showcased their determination and offensive strength throughout the postseason, including an impressive first-round sweep of Satsuma. With a strong team effort and a commitment to excellence, Orange Beach Baseball continued to build on its competitive tradition while representing Mako Nation with pride.

GIRLS SOCCER The Orange Beach Girls Soccer Team made history during the 2026 season, capturing Area and Regional Championships and advancing to the AHSAA Final Four for the first time in school history! Kinley Webb, Layne Redmond, Brylee Joullian, and Gabriella Aufmuth earned Class 1A-4A All-State recognition, while Aufmuth was also named to the prestigious Super All-State Team, representing Classes 1A-7A. She was additionally selected as an AHSAA South All-Star. Head Coach Chris Leonardi received Class 1A-4A Coach of the Year. Together, these accomplishments made 2026 a historic year for Orange Beach Girls Soccer.

BOYS SOCCER The Orange Beach Boys Soccer program celebrated individual accomplishments as Cooper George and Murphy Cooper earned AHSAA All-State Honorable Mention recognition for their performances. Their achievements reflect the hard work and talent within the Orange Beach Boys Soccer program and highlight another season of growth for Mako athletics.

TRACK & FIELD Orange Beach Track & Field celebrated a successful spring season, with several student-athletes earning the opportunity to compete at the AHSAA State Track & Field Championships in Gulf Shores. Representing the Makos were Bailey Brizendine, Marianna Peters, Mia Watts, Mac Peters, Sam Fetner, Brooke Barnett, Aaron Tierce, and Anthony Hopkins. Competing alongside talented athletes from across Alabama, these Makos proudly represented Orange Beach on the state’s biggest stage.

BOYS GOLF The Orange Beach Boys Golf Team continued its competitive season with an appearance in the 2026 AHSAA Sub-State Tournament.Competing for an opportunity to advance in the state championship series, the Makos demonstrated focus, sportsmanship, and dedication on the course.

GIRLS GOLF Orange Beach Girls Golf celebrated an exciting postseason, highlighted by a state tournament appearance and individual recognition. Corrine Laferrera represented the Makos at the 2026 AHSAA State Golf Tournament, held. Adding to the program’s accomplishments, Kailyn Martin earned a place on the Girls Golf North/South All-Star Team.

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION

Orange Beach Elementary School celebrated a special milestone as its kindergarten students officially graduated and prepared to take their next big step into first grade! Surrounded by proud families, teachers, and loved ones, our youngest Makos celebrated a year filled with learning, new friendships, and unforgettable memories. From mastering new skills to growing in confidence and independence, these students have accomplished so much during their first year of elementary school. Congratulations to our kindergarten graduates! The future is bright for these little Makos!

SIXTH GRADE GRADUATION

Orange Beach Elementary School celebrated an exciting milestone as its sixth-grade students officially completed their elementary school journey and prepared for the transition to Orange Beach Middle & High School! From their first days as young Makos to becoming leaders of the elementary school, these students have accomplished so much along the way. The celebration marked not only the end of one chapter but also the beginning of new opportunities awaiting them in middle school. Congratulations to our sixth-grade graduates! We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish in this next chapter!

GRADUATION WALK

Orange Beach City Schools celebrated a heartwarming tradition as the Class of 2026 and kindergarten graduates came together for the annual Graduation Walk at Orange Beach Elementary School. As seniors walked the halls of OBES one last time as students, they were greeted with cheers and excitement from younger Makos, OBES staff, and parents from both graduating classes. The special occasion brought together the two graduating classes at different stages of their educational journeys, celebrating both meaningful endings and exciting new beginnings. From the accomplishments of our seniors to the bright futures of our youngest graduates, the Graduation Walk was a wonderful reminder of the traditions and connections that make Mako Nation so special.

BACCALAUREATE

The Orange Beach High School Class of 2026 gathered for a special Baccalaureate ceremony, marking one of the final milestones of their high school journey. Surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones, graduating seniors shared an evening of reflection, encouragement, and gratitude as they prepared for graduation. The meaningful tradition provided an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, recognize the people who supported them along the way, and look ahead to the exciting opportunities awaiting them. As the Class of 2026 prepared to begin a new chapter, the ceremony served as a heartfelt reminder of the friendships, memories, and experiences that will forever connect them to Mako Nation.

THE CLASS OF 2026

Orange Beach High School proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 as graduating seniors walked across the stage, received their diplomas, and officially began the next chapter of their lives. From their first days as Makos to their final moments as high school students, these graduates have helped shape the traditions and spirit of Orange Beach High School. The Class of 2026 had even more reason to celebrate, achieving an outstanding 100% graduation rate and 100% credentialing rate! These remarkable accomplishments reflect the dedication of our students and the educators, families, and community members who supported them throughout their educational journeys. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

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