The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE), a public magnet school on Wynn Drive, broke ground on its upcoming student activity center, a new space for the school’s clubs and athletic teams.

The Sentinel Center will include a 1,100-seat gymnasium, purpose-built basketball and volleyball courts, a wrestling room, fully equipped locker rooms, multifunctional office spaces, a specialized band room, archery practice areas, and much more.

Alicia Ryan, President of the ASCTE Foundation Board of Directors, noted that the board did not anticipate a need for a building like the Sentinel Center. In fact, the school was built without a gymnasium.

Having done studies on public school students with strong interests in cyber and engineering, the board did not believe there would be a strong interest in art, drama, and athletics.

“I have to tell you, students, and I apologize upfront: you outdid any possible thing any study said you’d do. … Our studies said they spent most of their time playing video games,” remarked Ryan.

In stark contrast, within four years, the school had 25 clubs and organizations as well as 16 athletic teams. These groups included a scholar’s bowl team ranked second in the United States, a tennis team that won second in state, and an archery team that qualified for national competition.

“We underestimated you. We never dreamt that you all would have needed athletic facilities the way that you have exhibited and demanded we do so,” said Senator Arthur Orr, Chair of ASCTE Board of Trustees.

Orr thanked the businesses and governments contributing to what will be a quick construction. He also expressed regret that the Class of 2024 will not have the opportunity to use the facility as students, but noted that they would be welcomed on campus as alumni.

“The secret sauce is the people sitting in those chairs and companies that give money so that we have the bricks and mortar available to this school. The secret sauce is these young people who came here, and they uprooted from their homes. They came here for education, and they’re getting the best education you can have: the best. … We have put together a center of excellence,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.

The excitement for the new building was palpable among students. Students were involved in preparations for the event, coordinated parking, and ushered guests in. They lined the stairs and balcony of the Atrium listening to the speakers, cheering excitedly at every pause.