Walking through the halls in the Senior High, you might see some students with symbolic and artistic works inked onto their skin. Whether it is from inspiration from classical art, to the significant allusions to family, these students have found ways in order to express themselves through getting “inked”. With the insight from a couple wildcats, I was able to better understand the thought processes through getting tattoos, as well as understanding personal meanings towards something that has permanent. 

MADISON CHERRINGTON, 12

Q: When did you get your tattoo and where?

A: I got my tattoo on April 23, 2019 by Isabel at Electric Ladyland Tattoo.

Q: Is there any significant meaning to your tattoo?

A: The meaning behind my tattoo comes from my aunt that passed away in 2010 from a deadly car accident. She was my best friend and had a huge impact on my life. Her favorite thing was butterflies. She has a walk each year in her name to raise money for nursing students and it’s based around butterflies as well.

Q: How do you feel about high school students getting tattoos done?

A: I think that as long as you know you truly want the tattoo that it doesn’t matter what age you get it. I had wanted 

my butterfly tattoo since the day she passed. I believe that if it has true meaning you could never change your mind or “regret” it.

Q: Do you plan on having any more tattoos done in the future?

A: I do plan on getting many more tattoos. I already have ideas in mind and have my next appointment for a large piece honoring my parents on the 28th of December.

MALAYA MEKKAOUI, 12

Q: When did you get your tattoo and where?

A: I got my tattoo in July and at Graveside Tattoo.

Q: Is there any significant meaning to your tattoo?
A: The significance of my tattoo is the date of the passing of my grandmother in roman numerals.

Q: How do you feel about high school students getting tattoos done?

A: I love tattoos. I think it’s a cool way to express yourself, but at the same time you have to really be confident with what you’re getting because it’s forever.

Q: Do you plan on having any more tattoos done in the future?

A: I have a lot of ideas in mind, but I’m just giving time to see if I still want those tattoos. Nothing extreme, I prefer smaller tattoos!

JESSICA ZIANCE, 12

Q: When did you get your tattoo and where?

A: I got my tattoo on November 2nd this year at Sic Inc Tattoos.

Q: Is there any significant meaning to your tattoo?

A: I really appreciate renaissance art and thought it’d be so cool to have a true masterpiece on my skin forever. It also represents wanting to do something, and taking action. Nothing is done for you in life, you have to reach out and grab it.

Q: How do you feel about high school students getting tattoos done?

A: I think as long as you love what is on your body that’s all that really matters. If someone else thinks differently about a tattoo you have, that is okay. No ones forcing them to get it too.

Q: Do you plan on having any more tattoos done in the future?

A: I’m going to get one arm sleeve done with more renaissance art once I save more money. Honestly, I want to get as many tattoos as I can if it makes me happy. They’re addicting!