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Halloween may feel more like Christmas for students and staff at Daphne and Spanish Fort high schools this year. In a remarkable show of support, Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, recently donated $100,000 to each campus, presenting the checks at Trojan and Toros home football games to enthusiastic cheers from students, teachers, and parents.
“As a legislator, one of the most important things I can do is help to fill a need in our community when I see one,” Simpson said. “Our students deserve the best possible education, and by securing these grant funds, I am glad to play a small part in helping fund initiatives that keep our kids safe and support programs that inspire, empower, and prepare our students for the bright futures that await them.”
At Daphne High School, the $100,000 grant will fund the School Safety Initiative, aimed at enhancing campus security. The projects covered include completing security perimeter fencing, adding reflective, one-way security coverings to main entrances and exits, purchasing a Rapid Response cart for school resource officers and nurses, installing additional security gates, and purchasing Triton ULTRA sensors to detect vaping and prevent loitering, bullying, and vandalism.
“With this funding, we are able to expedite the completion of our comprehensive school safety plan, significantly shortening the timeline for these essential security upgrades,” Daphne High Principal John Comer said.
At Spanish Fort High School, the $100,000 grant will bolster the band program, which has expanded from 28 students to nearly 100 this year. Anticipating further growth as eighth-grade band students join, the funds will go toward purchasing instruments and uniforms.
“This support from Representative Simpson makes it possible for us to nurture our students’ passion for music,” said Spanish Fort High School Principal Shannon Smith. “With this grant, we’re investing not only in instruments and uniforms but in the creativity, discipline, and confidence that music education fosters. This investment in the arts reinforces the commitment of our school and community to provide students with a well-rounded education.”
The donations come at a critical time, enhancing both safety measures and the arts—two areas that underscore the schools’ commitment to nurturing a secure, well-rounded environment for all students.
