What was once a condemned, vacant, eyesore building at the corner of Wind Drive and Bradford is now a unique and vibrant educational facility, quickly gaining popularity among city and state movers and reformers. It became a source of pride.

The Alabama School for Cyber ​​Technology Engineering gathered dignitaries, celebrities and a group of high-achieving students for a ceremony celebrating the four-year-old school's latest initiative. A groundbreaking ceremony for the Sentinel Center was held Friday morning.

The Student Activities Center includes an 1,100-seat gymnasium for the school's volleyball and basketball teams, two of ASCTE's 16 sports.

Out of 330 students, the school has produced 2 perfect scores on the SAT, 50 with scores of 30 or higher on the ACT, and 5 semi-finalists/finalists for national honors awards, but there are It's not limited to classrooms in a three-story academic building.

“Our students have much more to offer than the expertise they are learning in the classroom,” Principal Matt Massey, who also coaches tennis, told the crowd gathered inside the school building. he said.

The event was attended by board members and politicians, from Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and City Councilman John Meredith to State Sen. Arthur Orr.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville spoke at a VIP breakfast prior to the groundbreaking ceremony.

Related: State cyber schools build strong academic foundation early.Addition of athletic facilities

One of the speakers at the ceremony was Alicia Ryan, Chair of the ASCTE Foundation Board of Directors. She has been involved with the project, which is currently the only school of its kind in the country and ranks among the top 1% in academic performance in the country, from its inception.

At first, she said, she thought smart students wouldn't be interested in extracurricular activities, especially sports. However, plans will soon shift to adding a soccer field on campus, as the Sentinel Center will be built next to the residence halls.

“Our research shows that they spend most of their time playing video games,” she said. “I never dreamed I would need athletics. So I encourage everyone to think bigger.”

In addition to 16 athletic programs, the school has 25 clubs ranging from music to drama, and 100% of students participate in at least one of the 41 clubs.

“What we learned is that when they came to school, they found their tribe,” Ryan said.

Battle said ASCTE's emergence reflects Rocket City's current growth.

“We're having breakfast and we're talking about people who come here and want a benchmark to Huntsville, they want a benchmark to the school, and we want to see how we achieved it. “I was talking about it,” he said. “What's the secret sauce? I say the secret sauce here is the people. There are people sitting in the chairs.

RELATED: Alabama School of Cyber ​​Technology and Engineering begins construction of student activity center

“The secret sauce is the young people who came here from their homes. They came here for an education. If you get the best education, you get the best. The secret. The source of that is this faculty sitting here and the administration that Matt has put together, and they're one of the best administrations you can find. The secret sauce happens a little bit in leadership as well.”

Massey pointed out how the school's winter sports program will practice at four off-campus locations on Friday. This will no longer be the case in the near future.

“Here I am,” he said. “That’s what makes all the difference.”

Tuition is also free at this school, which attracts students from all over the state.

“With or without this school, Huntsville is a shining star,” Orr said. “There are already several other magnet schools in the state, but thanks to so many (donors, ASCTE) this is possible. This is possible thanks to the care and dedication of our supporters and supporters who want us to receive the best education possible so that we can reach our full potential.

“This school is making a difference in people's lives and making a difference in all of our futures.”