Administration

Principal, Chris Shaw

Chris Shaw is entering his second year as principal at Orange Beach Middle & High School and his nineteenth year as a principal. Mr. Shaw is a graduate of Homewood High School near Birmingham, Alabama. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Alabama in Secondary Education. He spent most of his teaching career at Fairhope High School in Fairhope, Alabama. He then received his Educational Leadership Degree from Alabama State University. Mr. Shaw then became an administrator for Cobb County Schools near Atlanta, Georgia. He earned his Educational Specialist Degree with Honors in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. He then became Principal at Lassiter High School in Marietta, Georgia. Newsweek Magazine, US News and World Report, and Atlanta Magazine listed the school as one of the top schools in the country during his tenure. In 2008, the Georgia PTSA named him Principal of the Year.

He returned to Alabama and was named as Principal at Spain Park High School in Hoover. The school increased their graduation rate, raised their ACT scores to well above the state average, and was named one of the top ten schools in Alabama by US News and World Report. He then went to Northview High School in Dothan, Alabama. The graduation rate and participation in the Advanced Placement programs increased dramatically during his tenure. Sparkman High School, his most recent position prior to OBMHS, was named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2018. Sparkman has been named as one of the top schools in the state of Alabama consistently by US News and World Report and a top twenty school for college and career readiness. The graduation rate has risen to 96%, and the school had over 130 students with an ACT score of thirty or higher this past school year. The school also administered more than 1,200 Advanced Placement exams this past year. Mr. Shaw is entering his second year with high expectations and a state and national reputation of excellence to continue to uphold. He has served on numerous advisory boards and educational committees throughout the state of Alabama and Georgia. Mr. Shaw is looking forward to seeing that the academics, fine arts, and athletic programs become, not only the best in the state, but also in the nation. GO MAKOS!

Assistant Principal, Karen Atkins

My name is Karen Atkins, and I am starting my 30th year in education as the Assistant Principal and Head Volleyball Coach at Orange Beach Middle High School. I started here in 2023, and I love being a Mako!  I am originally from Walker County, Alabama where I spent several years as a teacher, coach, and administrator. I moved here in 2019 and my only regret is that I didn't move here sooner.  Coaching provides such a wonderful opportunity for me to mentor young women and I value the time I get to spend making these lasting relationships. I received my Bachelors of Science In Education from The University of Alabama in Birmingham. I then went on to pursue my Master's and ED.S in Educational Leadership from UAB as well. I have two adult children,  Jakob and Molly Kate Atkins.  I am looking forward to a fantastic year!

Assistant Principal, Scott Cook

My name is Scott Cook, and I am currently serving as the Assistant Principal at both Orange Beach High School and Orange Beach Middle School.  In August of 2002, I began my career in education.  In the Spring of 2020, after almost 19 years of service as a teacher/coach,  I transitioned to the administrative side of education.  It is the best decision I have made in my career.  I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Southern Arkansas University in 2001, and followed that up with my Master’s Degree in Education from the University of South Alabama in 2005.  My wife, Jennifer, and I have been longtime residents of Baldwin County.  We live here with two of our children, Harrison and Lila Jane.  Our daughter Kylee and her husband, Tyler, live in Louisiana with our grandson, Jensen Allen.  I consider myself blessed to be a part of the Mako family and look forward to helping build a lasting legacy here in Orange Beach.

Assistant Principal, Lydia Edmonds

My name is Lydia Edmonds, and I am thrilled to be part of the the Mako family! I have over twenty years of educational experience, having most recently served as an Instructional Specialist at Baker High School. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Spring Hill College, as well as an M.B.A. and a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of South Alabama. My husband Will and I have been married for over twenty years, and we have three beautiful sons. I look forward to providing students with endless opportunities for growth. Go Makos!