Sentinel Soundbytes

What started as a college-era idea turned into a groundbreaking reality for students in North Alabama. In this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we go behind the scenes of WD&D 101.7 FM — the region’s first high school radio station — and the story of how it came to life. Dr. Chris Brown and Jeremy Turner share the journey from navigating FCC regulations and securing funding to building a fully functional studio and launching live on the air. Along the way, they highlight the students who helped bring it all together, including the hands-on work that made the station operational. More than just a radio station, WD&D is a creative platform — giving students the opportunity to produce original music, host shows, and even broadcast unique content like literary discussions and Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. It’s a story about vision, persistence, and creating real-world opportunities for the next generation.

In this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we sit down with ASCTE President Matt Massey and CTO Chase Golden for an inside look at one of the school’s most ambitious initiatives yet—the newly approved ASCTE Research Institute. They break down what a research center actually is, why it matters, and how it positions ASCTE as a global leader in cyber education. Matt and Chase walk through the Institute’s four research labs, the statewide impact of the Alabama Center of Excellence, and the strategic partnerships driving innovation across K–12, higher education, industry, and government.We also dive into the physical expansion coming to campus, the 2027 opening timeline, and how student internships, capstones, and emerging-technology curriculum will be shaped by this new hub for collaboration. This episode offers a clear look at how ASCTE is preparing students—and the State of Alabama—for the future of cyber, AI, and engineering workforce development.

In this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we dive into ACCEL — Advancing Cyber Concepts & Engineering Learning, ASCTE’s statewide outreach initiative delivering hands-on cyber and engineering education to schools across Alabama and beyond.MaryClair Wright and Dr. Chris Brown — educators who transitioned from industry to the classroom — share how ACCEL is expanding access to high-quality STEM learning. From coding micro: bits and “teleporting ducks” to launching water rockets, ACCEL brings interactive engineering and cybersecurity experiences to middle-school students who may have never seen technology like this before.The goal? Spark curiosity, build confidence, and help every student realize:You belong in the world of cyber and engineering.We then welcome two ASCTE seniors and ACCEL interns, Phoebe and Micah, who share their first-hand experience traveling the state (and even to rural Alaska) to teach and inspire younger students. They discuss mentoring future innovators, having meaningful conversations about AI with middle-schoolers, and what it’s like to serve both as students and as part of the ASCTE team.From statewide impact to student leadership and global outreach, this episode highlights how ACCEL is shaping the next generation of cyber and engineering leaders — one school visit, one rocket launch, and yes, even one teleporting duck at a time.

On this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we’re joined by two outstanding educators from the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering — Jessy Bryan, Lead Language Instructor, and Angela Pelle, Engineering Instructor.As orientation kicks off and students return to campus, we explore how ASCTE weaves engineering into its core subjects. Jessy shares her journey from teaching AP Literature and Language to creating innovative projects that connect classics like The Great Gatsby to engineering principles, while celebrating record-setting AP exam pass rates. Angela brings her extensive background in civil and environmental engineering to the classroom, showing how hands-on projects — like building windmills inspired by The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind — give students a tangible link between reading and real-world applications.Together, they highlight the power of collaboration between departments, the blending of technical and communication skills, and how ASCTE prepares students to think critically and solve problems in every field.

In this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we’re joined by two Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering faculty members who are shaping the next generation of leaders in tech: Beth Blair, Lead Counselor and Ethics Instructor, and Peter Speak, Cybersecurity Instructor.Beth shares her journey to ASCTE, starting before the school’s opening in 2020, and how her role has evolved to include developing and teaching the school’s ethics curriculum. She explains how she helps students—many just beginning high school—develop critical thinking, personal values, and the ability to navigate complex decisions in both life and technology.Peter reflects on his transition from industry into teaching, the advanced skills ASCTE students are learning at an early age, and the responsibility that comes with giving them “dark arts” cyber capabilities. He describes how ethics is woven into his cybersecurity classes, from analyzing real-world breaches to hands-on simulations of attacks and defenses.Together, they discuss the balance between technical skills and moral responsibility, how ASCTE prepares students for high-stakes environments, and why critical thinking and perspective-taking are as vital as technical expertise.If you’re interested in how future innovators are being trained to combine cutting-edge cyber skills with strong ethical foundations, this conversation offers a unique inside look at ASCTE’s approach.

On this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we sit down with ASCTE’s school nurses, Lacey Wright and Jennifer Raburn, to explore what student wellness looks like at a residential STEM high school. From daily meds and emergency protocols to parent communication and local healthcare partnerships, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the systems in place to keep ASCTE students safe, healthy, and supported, both in and out of the classroom. Whether you're a prospective parent or just curious about the unique demands of a boarding school environment, this episode sheds light on the heart and coordination behind student care.🎧Tune in to hear:What a “day in the life” looks like for ASCTE nursesHow onboarding works for students with medical needsWhat happens when a student gets sick far from homeThe collaboration between nurses, faculty, and residential staffAdvice for families preparing to send their students to ASCTE

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rosemary Hodges of ASCTE and Lauren Pelto from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to explore the powerful partnership between education and industry. They dive into how internships and partnerships provide hands-on, real-world experiences that prepare students for critical workforce needs—especially in cybersecurity, engineering, and infrastructure. Hear how ASCTE students are gaining unique access to TVA’s cyber teams, ethical hacking exercises, and even out-of-state internships at TVA’s Chattanooga headquarters — all while contributing to the workforce development that’s helping power the rapidly growing Tennessee Valley region.

In this special end-of-year episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we’re recording on the campus of the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering during one of the busiest—and most emotional—days of the year: move-out day, awards day, and the official last day of school.In this episode, we sit down with residential student Carolyn Robertson and her father, Alan, for a heartfelt conversation about their family’s journey through Carolyn’s first year at ASCTE. They reflect on what it was like to make the decision to attend a boarding STEM school three hours from home, how they navigated long-distance parenting, and the unexpected personal growth Carolyn experienced through new friendships, academic challenges, and extracurricular involvement—from volleyball to theater.Alan, who also serves as a principal at a public school in Alabama, offers a unique dual perspective—as both a parent and an educator—on the culture, communication, and care that set ASCTE apart.Whether you’re a prospective parent, a curious student, or an education leader, this episode offers an inside look at what it means to be part of the ASCTE community.

In this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we’re joined by ASCTE Chief Technology Officer Chase Golden and Cybersecurity Instructor and Curriculum Developer Mary Claire Wright to explore an exciting new initiative that’s shaping the future of education in Alabama.Together, they dive into ASCTE’s partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education to create a first-of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence curriculum for high school students across the state. Mary Claire shares her experience transitioning out of the classroom to lead the development of this accessible, project-based course designed specifically for Alabama teachers and students—many of whom are working with limited resources.From equipping educators with a full "course in a box" to making AI concepts approachable on everyday devices like Chromebooks, this conversation breaks down how ASCTE is empowering a generation of students with foundational AI literacy—regardless of their background or future career path. Plus, hear how this curriculum aligns with the school’s mission to disrupt traditional models of STEM education and create a more informed, AI-ready workforce.Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or just curious about the role of AI in classrooms, this episode is a must-listen.

In this special episode, we sit down with ASCTE President Matt Massey and Class of 2025 Senior President Kendall Wright to celebrate the graduating class and reflect on the school’s journey over the past four years. As ASCTE prepares to graduate its largest class yet, Kendall shares her experiences in student leadership, helping shape the school’s core values and the personal growth she’s seen within herself and her classmates. President Massey offers insights into the unique leadership culture at ASCTE and how this senior class has left a lasting legacy—both within the school and the broader community. From academic achievements to dorm life, this conversation captures the spirit, resilience, and camaraderie that define ASCTE. Plus, Kendall shares her next steps as she heads to Auburn University to study wildlife sciences.

In this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we dive into the heart of the student experience at ASCTE—residential life. Host Dylan is joined by two student leaders, Rodney Jones and Emory Wilkinson, as they share their journeys of growth, independence, and friendship through the school's Res-Life program. From weekend events and prefect mentorship to life skills like grocery shopping and roommate communication, Rodney and Emory offer a genuine look at what it’s like to live on campus.Later in the episode, Director of Residential Life Michelle Cundiff joins the conversation to discuss the vision behind the program, the importance of student support, and how ASCTE is redefining the boarding school experience in Alabama. Whether you're a prospective family or just curious about life at ASCTE, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and the spirit of community that makes ASCTE so unique.

In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Matt Massey, President of the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, and Mr. Andy Smith, the school’s CFO and COO, to talk about a different side of their leadership: athletics. From coaching multiple sports to helping build entire programs from scratch, Massey and Smith offer a unique look at how extracurriculars play a vital role in ASCTE’s mission.We dive into the school’s early decisions around launching sports programs, how athletics support student wellness and school branding, and what it means to be a boarding school without a traditional home field—until now. They also give us a behind-the-scenes look at new campus developments like a turf soccer field and the upcoming Sentinel Center. Whether it’s tennis, swimming, robotics, or drama, this conversation highlights the culture of excellence and community that’s being cultivated on and off the field at ASCTE.Follow The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering’s official accounts:On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCTEAlabama/On Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ASCTEAlabama/On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ASCTEAlabama/

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rosemary Hodges, Dean of Teacher and Student Learning, and Chase Golden, Chief Technology Officer, at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE). Dr. Hodges shares her journey in education and how she played a pivotal role in ASCTE’s record-time accreditation. Mr. Golden discusses how the school integrates cybersecurity into the engineering lifecycle, preparing students for real-world challenges. We explore how ASCTE’s unique curriculum is shaped by industry experts, the impact of student internships, and how the school’s agile approach keeps it ahead of evolving technology trends. From quantum computing to cyber ranges and cutting-edge partnerships, ASCTE is redefining STEM education. Whether you’re an educator, a tech enthusiast, or a prospective student, this conversation highlights how ASCTE is building the next generation of innovators.Follow The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering’s official accounts:On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCTEAlabama/On Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ASCTEAlabama/On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ASCTEAlabama/

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, an inside look at all things ASCTE. We are honored to begin this journey at the most logical place.....the beginning.ASCTE Board Chair Senator Arthur Orr and President Matt Massey share the story of how this one-of-a-kind educational institution came to life. From the vision and planning that started well before its doors opened in August 2020 to its incredible impact as it enters its fifth year, discover how ASCTE is on the road to shaping the future of students and industries worldwide.