ASCTE opens $12.5M student activities facility, unveils Isenberg Research Institute

While celebrating the opening of a 1,100-seat student activity facility Friday, officials with the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering Foundation saved the best for last.

“We are building another building today,” said Alicia Ryan, ASCTE Foundation Board president. “It’s going to house a national research institute – the first in the nation – and it will also house a girls dormitory.”

Ryan addressed a packed Sentinel Center as school officials hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and “ground-breaking” event. The audience included elected state, county and municipal officials as well as business and civic leaders. 

Ryan then asked the female students in the audience to stand.

“You represent 38% of this school,” she said. “When I was in my master’s program, I was the only girl. This is for you.”

With that and a fanfare from the school band, a photo of the building’s rendering was wheeled out from behind curtains to a standing ovation.

Hank Isenberg, founder and CEO emeritus of IronMountain Solutions, then presented a check for $3 million to fund the Isenberg Institute/dormitory.

“It’s absolutely perfect that he puts his name on the (building),” Ryan said.

The $12.5 million Sentinel Center is designed to support athletics, student life, and collaborative programming at ASCTE, the nation’s only public residential high school integrating cyber technology and engineering across all disciplines. 

Birmingham-based Brasfield & Gorrie served as the lead contractor on the project.

The multifunctional space includes basketball and volleyball courts, a band room, theater, robotics space, and archery. The facility reflects ASCTE’s commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for high-demand careers in technology and engineering.

“We can take care of the whole child, not only academically but also their health,” said ASCTE President Matt Massey. “This gives what our kids need to grow. To our students, this is your place.”

Before the facility was built, students had to drive miles to practice, use elementary school gyms for sports and sometimes struggled to wake up for pre-dawn band practices.

“Having this space brings balance to our experience,” said ASCTE student Rodney Jones of Prattville. “For the first time, our athletes have a home court, our performers have a home stage.

“It gives us a place to connect, compete, and recharge.”

PeggyLee Wright, executive director of the ASCTE Foundation, said the facility – like the other buildings on campus – did not require public money. 

“There was no tax money for the brick and mortar,” she said. “Every single building is through our partners in education. This facility reflects what’s possible when partners invest in the full student experience.

“The Sentinel Center gives students space to build teamwork, stay active, and grow beyond the classroom.”

State Sen. Arthur Orr was instrumental in establishing and developing ASCTE. Through his work in the Senate, alongside Huntsville Rep. Anthony Daniels in the House, legislation creating the school was passed and signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey eight years ago—establishing ASCTE as the nation’s first school to integrate cyber technology and engineering across all academic disciplines.

“We are just getting started,” Orr (R-Decatur) said. “It is attributable to our students for taking a risk on us.”

“Our goal isn’t to be the best school in the state or the best school in the country but the best school in the world.”