Art has always been more than just a hobby for CCMS eighth grader Ashlyn Knox. It’s a way to bring her imagination to life. Now, her creativity and skill with a stylus have earned her a spot as a state semifinalist in the Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) competition with her digital artwork, Bird of Freedom.
Ashlyn’s piece features a character inspired by her favorite Dungeons & Dragons character, Wren—a half-human, half-bird figure soaring through a sunset sky. The setting sun faded into night as stars began to peek through. But what truly sets the piece apart is the glitching effect—fragments of blue and purple pixels breaking apart near the wings.
“I wanted to show how people see wings as a symbol of freedom,” Ashlyn explained. “But the glitching represents that freedom being taken away—or given back, depending on how you look at it.”
CCMS Principal Dr. Robin Stephenson said Ashlyn’s accomplishments are amazing. “Ashlyn, with your determination and creativity, your possibilities are endless. We are so thrilled for your accomplishments,” Stephenson added.
Ashlyn created Bird of Freedom using the Sketchbook app on her phone, a tool she’s become so accustomed to that she prefers it over traditional drawing.
“Some people, like me, can do digital art better than on paper,” Ashlyn said. “I don’t have to worry about losing a drawing, and I can experiment with layers and effects.”
The process to create Bird of Freedom wasn’t easy. “The wings were definitely the hardest part,” she admitted. “The body wasn’t so much, but the wings were definitely difficult.”
As she worked, the design evolved. “I had an idea at first, but the more I drew, the more it changed,” Ashlyn said. Choosing colors was another challenge, but in the end, she went with her favorite—orange. “It just sat right with me. I like using lighter colors to give the drawing a more positive feel.”
The moment she found out she had made it to the state competition, she was sitting in class. “I’m not gonna lie—I yelled out,” she said, laughing. Embarrassed but thrilled, she covered her face, but the excitement didn’t fade.
Her STLP sponsor, Larisa James, shared in the excitement. “We won't know whether she takes first or second place until the state competition at Rupp Arena on April 23, but we are super proud of her and her entry,” she said.
Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes echoed the excitement. “Congratulations to Ashlyn on this remarkable achievement and to her sponsor Larissa James. This is another example of how our students and faculty demonstrate that we can compete at the state levels and beyond.”
No matter the outcome, Ashlyn’s journey as an artist is just beginning.