Sentinel Signal

ASCTE SENTINEL SIGNAL

Fall 2025

CONTENTS 3 5 6 8 10 11 12 16 20 22 23

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About ASCTE Did You Know?

Beyond These Walls: Alumni Story The Power of Partnership AP Numbers Map of Visitors Parent Story Setting a New Standard Competition ASCTE Board ASCTE Foundation Board

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

PLUS 4

Letter from the President 7

Class of 2025 by the Numbers 14

Photos around ASCTE 22

Strategic Plan

ABOUT ASCTE Step into ASCTE, where we’re setting a new standard in education for Alabama’s brightest students. As the nation’s only public high school dedicated to cyber technology and engineering, innovation isn’t just taught here, it’s woven into everything we do. Through partnerships with industry leaders, real-world problem-solving, and groundbreaking initiatives like Alabama’s first AI curriculum, our students are redefining what’s possible. With hands-on research and statewide outreach, ASCTE is more than a school; it’s the blueprint for the future of education.

Are you ready to be part of what’s next?

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

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Letter

FROM THE PRESIDENT W

elcome to the inaugural edition of the ASCTE Sentinel Signal magazine, a reflection of a school setting a bold new standard in education. This year, our students have broken barriers in cyber technology and engineering, introduced Alabama’s first AI curriculum, and forged impactful partnerships with leaders across education and industry.

Every achievement highlighted within these pages underscores the innovation, drive, and unparalleled vision of our community.

At ASCTE, we are reshaping what it means to learn. Our students don’t just envision the possibilities of tomorrow; they proactively create them. Thank you for supporting our mission as we continue to redefine excellence and establish ourselves as global leaders in the future of education.

— ASCTE President Matt Massey

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Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

DID YOU KNOW? The 2025-2026 school year has a record-breaking We have the

highest graduation requirements

enrollment of 402

of any school in the country

We offer

Russian, Mandarin, and

98% retention rate

Spanish

98% of faculty hold advanced degreees

" As a board member, I’m proud to support a school that’s leading the way in cyber and engineering education. ASCTE offers an immersive academic experience and collaborates with universities across the state to ensure students are well-prepared for college and the workforce. With strong state support and partnerships with universities and industry leaders, ASCTE is helping shape the future of STEM education in Alabama."

Christopher Roberts Auburn University President

84 AL Cities represented

9 ASCTE

Teachers are Board Certified

Our application acceptance rate is

25%

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

5

BEYOND THESE WALLS W

hen Javen Bies-Dupree walked across the stage as part of ASCTE’s inaugural graduating class, he wasn’t just earning a diploma; he represented the future of education.

Armed with a toolkit of advanced skills, hands-on experiences, and unshakable confidence, Javen’s story exemplifies how ASCTE is setting a new standard in preparing students for success at college and beyond.

“ASCTE was so much more than a typical high school. The hands-on learning and life lessons I gained there helped me define my career ambitions and truly prepared me to excel,” shares Javen Bies-Dupree.

At ASCTE, education extends far beyond the classroom. Javen’s time was fueled by a pursuit

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Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

of hands-on, real-world learning opportunities.

“During my time at ASCTE, I interned with RTX and the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, gaining invaluable experience before I even graduated,” Javen recounts. These groundbreaking opportunities empowered him to refine his career goals and explore diverse paths in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. ASCTE’s innovative curriculum, which integrates internships with academic rigor, provided him a head start in tackling the challenges of technology and engineering fields.

Yet, the impact of ASCTE wasn’t confined to academic achievement. ASCTE fosters independence and personal growth, ensuring students are prepared for life, not just their

careers. “Living as a residential student, I developed essential skills like effective communication, conflict resolution, and time management.

These lessons have been invaluable in college,” Javen reflects.

Now excelling as a junior at the University of Alabama, Javen continues to embody ASCTE’s forward-thinking philosophy. As a Witt Fellow and the Most Outstanding Sophomore in the Witt University Fellows Program, he’s demonstrating leadership in action. Adding to his accomplishments, Javen also serves as an official student ambassador with Capstone Men and Women, guiding prospective students and representing his university.

Javen’s achievements showcase ASCTE’s bold vision of education, one that combines rigorous curriculum, real-life application, and personal development.

It’s an education model that’s reshaping what high school can be. ASCTE equips students not only to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world but to stand out, lead, and innovate within it.

By redefining what it means to prepare young minds for the future, ASCTE is blazing a trail forward in education. Javen Bies-Dupree is living proof of what happens when a school dares to set a higher bar and inspires its students to reach for it.

CLASS OF 2025

by the numbers

7 National Merit Semi - Finalists 3 Perfect ACT Scores 3 Service Academy Appointees 26 Summa Cum Laude Graduates 248 AP Exam Qualifying Scores 3 Ranking Among College Prep Public High Schools in Alabama

11 AP Scholars with Distinction 16 Million Dollars in Scholarships Offered to the Senior Class

“ Our collaboration with ASCTE is a meaningful investment in the future of higher education and the workforce in Alabama. That is why we have made a concerted effort each year to visit the ASCTE campus; after all, these are some of Alabama’s brightest students and we are proud to show them what their future could look like with a degree from the University of South Alabama.”

Josiah Bonner University of South Alabama President Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

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THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP O

n their first day of an internship at RTX, a new intern steps into an educational experience unlike any other. Surrounded by 3-D models, whiteboards filled with complex designs, and engineers engaged in spirited debates, they are welcomed not just into a workplace but into a living classroom of innovation. The question posed to them is simple yet profound and sets the tone for their learning experience: “What would you create if you could build anything?”

At RTX, a global leader in technology and security, internships redefine what it means to

learn by doing. These experiences aren’t about shadowing or rote tasks; they offer students the chance to apply theoretical knowledge to realworld problems. For ASCTE students, internships with one of our 40+ Partners in Education opens doors to education that goes beyond textbooks, where creativity and curiosity become the most important tools in their learning arsenal.

ASCTE interns at RTX are empowered to think big. They're encouraged to design and execute their own projects, working alongside mentors who guide and challenge them to solve meaningful problems. “The goal isn’t to outline steps but to provide challenges that inspire exploration,” explains one mentor. This approach nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving skills central to modern education.

The impact is profound. One intern, initially interested in veterinary science, discovered a passion for data science through a mentorship project led by RTX engineer Laura Durham. Using March Madness stats, they built predictive models and data visualizations, transforming their understanding of STEM’s possibilities. By the end of the internship, this newfound passion had inspired a change in their college trajectory, proving

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Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

how real-world application can redefine academic goals.

RTX’s collaboration with ASCTE demonstrates a commitment to enhancing education by fostering curiosity and innovation.

Interns bring energy, insight, and fresh perspectives to their teams. “Their questions spark conversations that even seasoned professionals learn from,” notes Durham. For the company, these interactions steer teams toward forward-thinking solutions, while giving them a glimpse into the future of talent.

This initiative also provides students with invaluable learning opportunities. Through hands-on projects, they gain technical skills, confidence, and a heightened sense of purpose. “From day one, they exceeded expectations,” says Durham. “They were curious, adaptable, and made tangible contributions that showcased their potential.”

By prioritizing programs like this, RTX sets a new standard for integrating education with industry needs. It not only helps build Alabama’s workforce pipeline in engineering and cybersecurity but also creates lifelong learners. The experience allows students to view their careers not just as jobs, but as callings driven by curiosity and creativity.

The internships at RTX serve as a powerful example of what’s possible when education meets opportunity. By inviting students to learn, build, and innovate, RTX proves that the most effective learning environments are those that ask, “Why not?” and encourage the next generation to lead with fresh ideas.

Together, students and RTX are shaping the future of education, one lesson at a time.

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

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SETTING A NEW STANDARD IN EDUCATION E

very ASCTE student takes at least one College Board AP Exam before graduation, a distinction that places us in a league of our own.

However, at ASCTE, that's not enough. We're redefining what it means to prepare students for a future of limitless potential. Our approach proves that subject mastery is essential to setting a new benchmark in education.

Our AP results affirm this commitment to academic achievement across all domains.

• AP Language: 83% of students achieved qualifying scores (typically a junior level class, but at ASCTE it is required of sophomores) • AP Literature: 23 out of 24 students earned success • AP U.S. History: 11 out of 12 students excelled While our focus is STEM, our Sentinels are also sharpening critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills that provide a well-rounded foundation for any pursuit.

This year, ASCTE students exceeded expectations, with three AP science courses achieving 100% qualifying scores: • AP Environmental Sciences: 8 of 8 students • AP Biology: 13 of 13 students • AP Chemistry: 14 of 14 students These outstanding results speak to our students’ drive, our faculty’s dedication, and our shared pursuit of challenging goals.

Why do we insist on AP rigor? Because it builds life-changing skills like critical thinking, time management, and scholarly writing. These lessons go beyond test scores, preparing our students for the challenges of college and the demands of tomorrow’s workforce.

At ASCTE, we are not just meeting educational standards; we are setting them.

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Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

“ As a partner of ASCTE, we are honored to support an institution that is setting a bold new standard in cyber and engineering education. Their innovative approach not only equips students with critical skills for the future but also fosters collaboration between academia and industry. ASCTE is an invaluable part of A&M's commitment to shaping a worldclass STEM education pipeline, and we are proud to partner to nurture the next generation of talent.”

Daniel K. Wims Alabama A&M President

AROUND THE WORLD

At ASCTE, we are setting a new benchmark in education by shaping the future of learning.

We’re proud to share our innovative strategies with educators and leaders around the globe, fostering collaboration and transforming the industry. Welcoming visitors from all corners of the world fuels our drive to lead and redefine what education can achieve.

ASCTE has had visitors from: • • • • •

California Civil Air Patrol Idaho Maryland (NSA) Massachusetts

• • • • •

Michigan New Mexico New York North Carolina South Carolina

• • • •

Texas Virginia Washington Washington, DC

• • • • • •

Argentina Boliva Brazil Chile Georgia Kyrgyzstan

• London, England • Peru • Poland • South Korea

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

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I GAVE THE SCHOOL A GOOD KID, AND THEY GAVE ME BACK SOMEONE GREAT

W

hen Amy Van Ryder enrolled her 15-yearold son, Jackson, in ASCTE, she could never have imagined the profound impact it would have on his life. What started as a whirlwind decision became a transformative journey that exceeded her expectations. This is the story of a mother’s leap of faith and how it changed her son’s future.

A LEAP OF FAITH In the summer of 2021, just days before the school year began, Jackson expressed interest in attending ASCTE. Intrigued but unsure, Amy quickly arranged a campus tour.

Within days, Jackson had submitted his application, packed his

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Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

bags, and moved into the school’s residential program.

The decision wasn’t easy. “It’s not easy letting go of your 15-year-old,” Amy admits. Sending her son to live across the state was overwhelming, but during the tour, ASCTE’s transparency and approach stood out. “The staff spoke to the kids like adults, not down to them,” she recalls. Their openness and the opportunities the school offered reassured her that Jackson was in good hands.

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY From the moment Jackson arrived on campus, a world of possibilities unfolded. The residential program pushed him out of his comfort zone, teaching him life skills like navigating roommate dynamics and trying new foods. “Living away from home quickly became second nature for him,” Amy says. “He was growing in ways I hadn’t imagined. The first time I picked him up, he talked non-stop for four hours about the school.

He couldn’t wait to go back.”

Academically, ASCTE challenged Jackson to think critically and master concepts rather than chase grades.

LEADERSHIP, GROWTH, AND LIFELONG LESSONS Jackson’s time at ASCTE wasn’t just about academics; it was about personal growth.

Through roles like student ambassador, he developed leadership skills and learned how to represent the school authentically. Living with a roommate taught him valuable lessons in acceptance and communication, fostering maturity that extended beyond the classroom.

“I gave the school a good kid,” Amy says proudly, “and they gave me back someone great.”

The combination of rigorous academics and enriching experiences helped Jackson see the world, and himself, in a new light. With each passing semester, his confidence grew.

TURNING CHALLENGES INTO TRIUMPHS A highlight of ASCTE’s program is the senior internship opportunity, which connects students with industry leaders for hands-on experience.

For Jackson, this was life-changing. Working alongside professionals as a peer, he built a network of mentors and gained skills that set him apart. The experience solidified his ambition to pursue law school, and he began dreaming bigger than ever before.

ASCTE’s reputation for excellence didn’t go unnoticed. After Jackson and his classmates interviewed with Harvard, the interviewer visited the school to see firsthand how it was producing such exceptional students. This moment underscored the unique rigor and support ASCTE provides.

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

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ASCTE IN REAL LIFE

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TRANSFORMING HANDS-ON EDUCATION IN ALABAMA T

he ASCTE Research Institute, an Alabama Center of Excellence, represents more than just a facility; it's a catalyst for educational transformation across Alabama. Its mission extends far beyond campus walls, reaching into classrooms from Huntsville's metropolitan centers to the state's most remote rural communities. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programming, the school is fundamentally changing how students and

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Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

educators engage with cutting-edge technology and STEM education.

Two Avenues of Impact ASCTE RESEARCH CENTER ACCEL Program: Making Advanced STEM Accessible Everywhere The ACCEL program serves as a crucial vehicle for advancing STEM education across

Alabama. Rather than limiting high-quality experiences to wellresourced districts, this model brings world-class learning opportunities directly to students, regardless of their school's location or funding levels.

Through ACCEL, instructors transport hands-on STEM experiences to schools throughout the state. Students who might never have encountered advanced engineering concepts or cybersecurity principles suddenly find themselves building complex circuits, programming autonomous systems, and solving real-world technical challenges. These experiences aren't one-time visits; they're carefully designed to spark lasting interest and provide foundation skills that students can build upon throughout their academic careers.

The program's impact extends to educators as well. Teachers participate alongside their students, gaining firsthand experience with technologies and methodologies they can later incorporate into their regular instruction. This dual-impact approach ensures that the benefits of this outreach compound over time, creating sustainable change within each participating school.

Alabama Cyber Range: Real-World Training in Controlled Environments Cybersecurity education has traditionally been theoretical, limited by the obvious risks of exposing students to actual digital threats. The Alabama Cyber Range changes this paradigm entirely. The state-of-the-art simulation environment allows students and educators to

engage with real-world cybersecurity scenarios in completely safe, controlled settings.

Students can experience both offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations, learning to think like both attackers and defenders.

They encounter actual malware, practice incident response procedures, and develop the kind of practical skills that employers desperately need. This hands-on approach produces graduates who enter the workforce with genuine experience, not just theoretical knowledge.

This capability is extended statewide through mobile units and remote access programs.

Teachers receive specialized training in cybersecurity instruction, supported by experts who help integrate these experiences into existing curricula. The result is a generation of Alabama students uniquely prepared for careers in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy.

ALABAMA CENTER OF EXCELLENCE Alabama's Pioneering AI Curriculum: Setting National Standards By 2026, Alabama will become one of the first states to implement a comprehensive,

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

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statewide high school artificial intelligence curriculum. This groundbreaking initiative, developed in partnership with the State Department of Education, positions Alabama students at the forefront of the AI revolution.

The curriculum developed covers the full spectrum of AI education: historical context, fundamental programming concepts, data science applications, and critical ethical considerations. This holistic approach ensures that Alabama students don't just learn to use AI tools but also understand the broader implications of artificial intelligence in society.

Subject matter experts are working directly with educators across the state to ensure successful implementation. In addition, they are providing specialized training programs, developing comprehensive teaching

resources, and creating ongoing support networks. This isn't simply curriculum delivery; it's a fundamental shift in how Alabama approaches technology education.

Professional Development: Empowering Educators as Change Agents ASCTE Professional Development and Training programs recognize that sustainable educational change requires empowered, knowledgeable educators. Through the TEAMS Professional Development initiative, the school brings teachers from across Alabama to campus for intensive, hands-on experiences with cutting-edge technology and teaching methodologies.

These aren't traditional workshops where teachers sit passively while experts demonstrate techniques. Programs are immersive experiences where educators engage directly with the same technologies their students will use. They observe expert instructors in action, participate in studentlevel activities, and collaborate with peers to develop implementation strategies for their home districts.

Participants leave with more than just lesson plans; they walk away with confidence, practical skills, and connections to a statewide network of innovative educators.

Many report that these experiences

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Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

fundamentally change their approach to teaching, inspiring them to pursue additional technology integration and STEM education opportunities.

Beyond the Campus: A Statewide Vision Realized The testimonial from Haley Batchelor at Double Springs Middle School captures the essence of the mission. When she notes that ASCTE is "helping to change what's possible for kids in Winston County," she's describing exactly what the aim is to accomplish statewide. Geographic location and local resources should never limit a student's educational opportunities.

The ASCTE Research Institute, an Alabama Center of Excellence, functions as the nerve center for this statewide transformation.

Experts develop cuttingedge curricula, facilities serve as testing grounds for innovative approaches, and partnerships with industry leaders ensure that programs remain relevant to evolving workforce needs. But the real impact occurs when these innovations reach classrooms hundreds of miles from campus.

Engineering Alabama's Educational Future The convergence of these major initiatives, ACCEL, AI curriculum, professional development, Cyber Range operations, and educator professional development, creates a multiplier effect that extends the impact far beyond what any single program could achieve. Students experience handson learning through ACCEL, teachers gain

expertise through professional development, cybersecurity skills are developed through Cyber Range experiences, and AI literacy becomes standard through strategic curriculum work.

This comprehensive approach ensures that Alabama's educational transformation isn't dependent on individual schools or districts having the resources to independently pursue advanced STEM education. Instead, it’s creating a statewide ecosystem where every student has access to world-class learning opportunities, and every educator has the support needed to deliver exceptional instruction.

The future being built extends well beyond traditional educational boundaries. It’s preparing students for careers that don't yet exist, teaching skills that will remain relevant as technology continues to evolve, and fostering the kind of creative problem-solving abilities that will serve Alabama's workforce for decades to come.

Through the ASCTE Research Institute, an Alabama Center of Excellence, the future of Alabama's education isn’t just being imagined; it’s being actively constructed, one classroom, one student, and one teacher at a time.

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

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COMPETITION Sentinels aren't just students; we are fierce competitors. Whether it’s excelling at the Scholars' Bowl, commanding the drama stage, or dominating on the soccer field, in the pool, or on the court, we strive for excellence in everything we do. We’re not here to play, we’re here to WIN.

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Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

ASCTE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Senator Arthur Orr Board of Trustees chair Alicia Ryan Board of Trustees Vice Chair

Patrick Hilgendorf Southern Poverty Law Center

Miranda Bouldin Board of Trustees Secretary

Boone Kinard Executive Director of External Affairs for the Alabama Community College System

Brandon Shoupe Board of Trustees Treasurer Dr. Mark Brown Tuskegee University Frank Cillufo Auburn University

Angela Martin Deputy State Superintendent of Education

Rep. Anthony Daniels Alabama House of Representatives

Dr. Tommy Morris The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Lori Eastman 3M

R. Shane Powell Alabama Power

Rebekah Elgin-Council Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Dr. Mohammed A. Qazi Tuskegee University

Maj. General Barbara Fast, Ret., USA BGF Enterprise

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Dr. Daniel K. Wims Alabama A&M University

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

STRATEGIC PLAN Earlier this year, ASCTE was proud to announce the approval of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, a bold roadmap to student success and educational leadership in cyber and engineering fields. Built on a foundation of innovative student experiences, dynamic faculty development, robust partnerships, and a commitment to institutional excellence, the new plan charts a course for ASCTE to expand outreach, drive cutting-edge research, and nurture the next generation of leaders. With initiatives that enhance learning, advance faculty expertise, grow statewide collaborations, and establish ASCTE as a hub for research and innovation, this plan positions the school to become a global leader in cyber and engineering education as it enters its next chapter.

We invite you to learn more about the Strategic Plan using this QR code.

ASCTE FOUNDATION BOARD

FROM THE GROUND UP 2018 ASCTE Founded The first tuition-free residential high school focused on the integration of cyber technology and engineering across all academic disciplines was created

Alicia Ryan ASCTE Foundation Board president Van Sullivan Foundation Board Vice President, Building Committee Chair & Governance Committee Chair Dr. Claudette Owens Secretary & Nominating Committee Chair John Jeffery Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair James Bullington Engineering Committee Chair Ronnie Chronister Advisory Committee Chair Dr. Joe Green Development Committee Chair Ginger Harper Marketing Committee Chair Dr. Kay Taylor At Large Member Joe Ritch At Large Member

2019 Ground Breaking The school’s campus began to take shape in the middle of the nation’s second-largest research park.

2020 Doors open The first cohort of students began academic careers that will change their lives.

2022 Ribbon Cutting The state -of-the-art campus was officially opened for students by Governor Kay Ivey and fellow AL legislators.

2024 Sentinel Center Commissioned In response to student needs, construction began on a student activity center for sports, arts, and clubs.

2025 Research institute Established The Board approved the creation of the ASCTE Research Institute to be the state's resource for curriculum, instruction & pedagogy development and training.

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

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229 Wynn Drive | Huntsville, AL 35805 24

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

256.489.3700 | info@ascte.org