Sentinel Soundbytes

How do you create professional development that teachers actually want to attend—and more importantly, can immediately apply in their classrooms? On this episode of Sentinel Soundbytes, we sit down with Mary Clair Wright and Amy Mason to discuss how ASCTE is rethinking professional development for educators across Alabama. From Cyber Immersion Days and classroom observations to AI and machine lear...

In this episode of  Sentinel Soundbites , we sit down with ASCTE College Counselor Sheri Crigger and recent graduate Landon Grove to discuss the college planning journey, life after graduation, and how ASCTE prepares students for success beyond high school. Sheri shares how she works with students from their first year on campus through senior year, helping them navigate everything from college ap...

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 f...

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 Instit...

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...

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...

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 de...

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, healt...

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...

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 abo...

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 In...

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 wit...

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 co...

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 miss...

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...

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 2...