By Russell Frye

Following the deadly Enterprise tornado that occurred in 2007, the state of Alabama passed a law requiring all new public schools build a tornado safe room in the floor plan to protect students during severe weather.

When the Priceville High School opened for the 2016-17 school year, it became the first Morgan County school to have a safe room.

On Friday, December 14, 2018, Principal Mark Mason announced that the Priceville High School safe room will now be known as “The Downs-Stevens Safe Room” in memory of former students Danielle Downs and Will Stevens. Mason said, “both students were exemplary students here during their time at Priceville High School.”

Downs, Class of 2005, and Stevens, Class of 2007, lost their lives in the devastating tornadoes that passed through Tuscaloosa on April 27, 2011. Both were set to graduate from The University of Alabama in May of that year.

Earlier this year, Principal Mason asked the Morgan County Board of Education to consider a proposal to name the Priceville High School safe room in honor of Danielle and Will.  

On Aug. 9, the Morgan County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the proposal for naming the safe room.