As the 2025–2026 academic year comes to a close, we’re proud to celebrate a remarkable group of graduating students whose talent, drive, and creativity exemplify the very best of CCAD—consistently recognized among the best art schools in the nation. Each spring, we recognize outstanding seniors from every academic program, students who not only excel in their coursework but also make meaningful contributions to our campus and creative communities. From one of the top graphic design programs to programs ranked among the best colleges for fashion design in the midwest, these students represent the strength and diversity of CCAD’s creative disciplines. This year, we’re also honored to recognize our valedictorian, Ashlyn Furillo, whose achievements reflect a deep commitment to creative excellence and academic success.
These artists, designers, storytellers, and innovators have pushed boundaries in their fields—exploring new media, building brands, telling powerful stories, and shaping the future of creative industries. Their work speaks for itself—but so do their stories. Meet the outstanding seniors of the Class of 2026.
Valedictorian
Ashlyn Furillo
Ashlyn Furillo has distinguished herself through academic excellence, creative achievement, and a strong commitment to her artistic practice. Throughout her time at CCAD, she has demonstrated dedication to both her studies and her growth as a creative professional.
As valedictorian, Ashlyn represents the very best of the Class of 2026—bringing curiosity, discipline, and passion to everything she does. After graduation, she plans to continue pursuing her creative career, building on the strong foundation she has developed during her time at CCAD.
Animation
Katie Scala
Katie Scala is an animation student whose passion for storytelling and visual development has shaped her creative journey. Through her time at CCAD, she has explored animation as a powerful medium for expression, combining technical skill with imaginative storytelling. Her work reflects a dedication to bringing characters and narratives to life in engaging and meaningful ways. After graduation, Katie plans to continue pursuing opportunities in animation and storytelling, building a career that allows her to share her creative voice.
Comics & Narrative Practice
Tessa Mulcahy
Tessa Mulcahy is a storyteller and artist specializing in comics and narrative practice. Her work is rooted in a love of visual storytelling, where she explores character, pacing, and world-building through sequential art. During her time at CCAD, she has developed a strong voice as a creator, crafting stories that resonate with readers and reflect her unique perspective. After graduation, Tessa plans to continue creating comics and exploring opportunities in publishing and storytelling.
Fashion Design
Aspen Grazier
Aspen Grazier is a fashion design student whose work blends creativity, craftsmanship, and personal expression. Throughout her time at CCAD, she has explored garment construction and design, developing collections that reflect her evolving artistic vision. She is passionate about the storytelling potential of fashion and how clothing can communicate identity and emotion. After graduation, Aspen plans to pursue a career in the fashion industry, continuing to refine her design voice.
Film & Video
Ra'Liyah Blythe
Ra’Liyah Blythe is a video editor from Dayton, Ohio, who discovered her passion for film at a young age. At just 12 years old, she started a small YouTube channel that sparked her love for video editing and storytelling. Over time, that early curiosity developed into a focused pursuit of filmmaking and post-production.
During her time at CCAD, Ra’Liyah honed her technical and creative skills, learning how to craft compelling visual narratives through editing. She has continued to grow her voice as a storyteller, blending creativity with precision in her work. After graduation, she plans to pursue opportunities in video editing and film production, continuing to tell stories that resonate with audiences.
Fine Arts
Madee Mickley
Madee Mickley is a fine arts student whose work reflects a deep engagement with material exploration and creative expression. During her time at CCAD, she has experimented across mediums, developing a practice that balances concept and craftsmanship. Her work often draws from personal experiences and observations, resulting in pieces that are both thoughtful and visually compelling. After graduation, Madee plans to continue growing her artistic practice and sharing her work with broader audiences.
Game Art & Design
Charlie Masek
Charlie Masek is a Game Art & Design student with a passion for interactive storytelling and digital environments. At CCAD, Charlie has developed skills in 3D art, design systems, and game development, exploring how players engage with virtual worlds. Their work reflects a strong interest in collaboration and innovation within the gaming space. After graduation, Charlie plans to pursue a career in the video game industry, contributing to immersive and engaging experiences.
Graphic Design
Katie Perdue
Katie Perdue is a graphic design student whose work focuses on communication, branding, and visual storytelling. Throughout her time at CCAD, she has developed a strong foundation in design principles while exploring a range of creative disciplines. Her work emphasizes clarity, creativity, and purpose, reflecting her ability to solve visual problems effectively. After graduation, Katie plans to pursue a career in graphic design, creating impactful work across digital and print platforms.
Illustration
Kiley Davie
Kiley Davie was born and raised in Fletcher, Ohio, a small town that helped shape her creative perspective and work ethic. From an early age, she was drawn to art and storytelling, finding inspiration in her surroundings and community.
At CCAD, Kiley developed her skills and expanded her artistic voice, exploring new ideas and refining her craft. Her work reflects both her personal experiences and her growth as a creative professional. After graduation, she hopes to continue building her career while exploring new opportunities to grow and evolve as an illustrator.
Industrial Design
Adeline Schutz
Adeline Schutz is an Industrial Design senior whose work is driven by curiosity, problem-solving, and a passion for thoughtful design. Throughout her time at CCAD, she explored the intersection of function and aesthetics, developing projects that emphasize both usability and innovation.
Her education allowed her to experiment across disciplines, strengthening her ability to approach design challenges from multiple perspectives. Adeline’s work reflects a commitment to creating meaningful, user-centered solutions. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in industrial design, where she can continue to create impactful products and experiences.
Interior Architecture & Design
Maggie Burris
Maggie Burris is a graduating Interior Architecture & Design student who has developed a strong passion for creating thoughtful, functional spaces. Her work focuses on the relationship between people and their environments, with an emphasis on how design can shape experience and well-being.
During her time at CCAD, Maggie explored a variety of materials, processes, and conceptual approaches, strengthening both her technical and creative skills. She is particularly interested in designing spaces that balance aesthetics with purpose. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in interior design, where she can continue to bring innovative and human-centered spaces to life.
Photography
Annie Harris
Annie Harris, born and raised in a small rural town, developed a strong sense of creativity and curiosity from an early age. Surrounded by a close-knit community and natural landscapes, she found inspiration in everyday life and began exploring photography as a way to capture and interpret the world around her.
At CCAD, Annie expanded her artistic practice, experimenting with new techniques and perspectives while refining her technical skills. Her work reflects both her roots and her growth as an artist, combining observation with storytelling. After graduation, she hopes to continue pursuing photography while exploring new creative opportunities.
