by Sara Prier

Ashley Krypel is a sophomore student at Batavia High School. Her sister, Kathryn, is a freshman, and her mom, Dayle Krypel, works in the office.

Do you have any hobbies?

My mom signed me up for horseback riding at a barn close to our house when I was 5 years old.

Why do you like to horseback ride?

I like it because I think it’s really fun to do. There is also the excitement of it being slightly dangerous because you are around a huge animal who could stomp you into the ground, or you could fall off and get seriously injured.

I’ve heard that you also volunteer at this barn too. Is that true?

Yes, I recently started working there to gain more volunteer hours. I’ve been working there for almost a year now.

What do you do at the barn for your job?

It varies from time to time, but it ranges from cleaning the barn, feeding and grooming the horses, feeding and caring for the cats, feeding the chickens and collecting their eggs, bringing the horses in from the outside, and taking care of the dogs and the pig.

Do you have any other hobbies?

Yes, I’m also really into art.

What kind of art?

I really like to draw. Sometimes I’ll doodle when I’m bored. I took graphics this year and it has been really great to try out new things!

What do you do in graphics?

I’ve made cartoon characters, had to design my own business, made stickers, animations of the seasons, and cd covers!

What is your favorite thing to do in graphics?

I really like to design my own t-shirts and cartoons.

What kind of t-shirts have you made before?

Fall Out Boy t-shirts and matching bandanas and an American-Batman logo.

How do you make a t-shirt?

First, you have to make the design; mine took about a day to make. Then you have to set up your screens. They are what will apply the ink to the shirt. Third you have to set the shirts on the press and make sure they are lined up correctly. Then you apply the ink to the shirts. After that they have to dry but you have to use heat when drying or else the ink won’t set.