To people with tattoos, it is more than just pen ink in their skin. It tells stories and is a reminder of the things they will hold close to their heart for eternity. For senior Kaylie Hatcher, it is a reminder of her mom. Hatcher and her mom got matching tattoos on their left wrists.

“This tattoo helps remind me that no matter where we are in the world, we will always love each other,” Hatcher said.

Senior Evan Shukers also got a tattoo with his mother. His is on his inner right bicep, while his mom’s is on her back.

“It is a quote that says ‘Because Of Her I Will Not Fall’ written in my mom’s handwriting. My mom has a tattoo that says ‘And For Them I’d Risk It All,’” Shukers said. “My mom was always there for my siblings and I. It reminds me to always be there for her, too. She has given and taught me so much.”

Senior Lueking Knabe got a tattoo of his friend’s signature leaf on his ankle, but since he was under 18, he could not go to a tattoo artist, so he decided to do it himself. This is known as a ‘stick-and-poke’ tattoo.

“It hurt since it was a sensitive part of the ankle,” Knabe said. “I took a pencil and taped a needle around it. I used India ink and penetrated my skin.”

While Knabe was able to do his tattoo himself at virtually no cost, senior Josh Massara spent $1,200 on half sleeve on his upper left arm.

“I grew up around hot rod cars and this is the logo of the famous pin stripers named Von Dutch, which means the eye in the sky knows all,” Massara said, referring to the flying green eyeball tattoo.

His sleeve depicts images like a Route 66 road sign, a microphone and a flaming bird. He plans to continue to add to the designs as he continues through his life.

“I don’t like tattoos that are hidden,” Massara said. “I believe you shouldn’t be ashamed to show off your tattoo. Tattooing is an art form and an extension of who you are. If you can actually wear your heart on your sleeve, then you should do it.”