The Talon

The Student News Site of Ankeny High School
The Ankeny Community School Districts current strategic plan, which outlines the districts operations from 2022 to 2027, is divided into three pillars, each representing a set of goals relating to a different part of the education process. The first focuses on preparing students for success after high school, the second focuses on effective teachers, building leadership, and other staff throughout the district, and the third focuses on providing students with a learning environment that enhances education.
‘This is a five year plan, and this is only year one’
November 21, 2022
Midterm elections in Iowa are on Tuesday, November 8. Voters will have the opportunity to vote for governor as well as House and Senate candidates on the state and national level.
Awareness behind it all
November 7, 2022
AHS students spend their open period studying in the library. Many students have crowded the library since the beginning of the year to find a quiet space to work on homework. “The library is really nice to study in because it is really quiet,” junior Sophie Rolfing said.
Grades vs. mental health: students voice their concerns
May 5, 2022
The pandemic changes perceptions and protocols when it comes to standardized testing. When schools put intense pressure on students to get a high ACT score, students begin to define their intelligence through their score which isnt always a fair representation, junior Jayda Archer said.
COVID-19 impacts: standardized testing
May 3, 2022
Ankeny High School Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and Student Political Engagement Club (SPEC) will host a fundraiser on Tuesday, April 19 to support transgender students and bring awareness to legislation recently put in place, such as House File 2416.
‘Victory for girls’ sports’?
April 14, 2022
From plans over winter break to the most cherished gift during th eholiday season, Ankeny Hawks spread cheer for all to hear in this third holiday questions installment.
Hawks spread cheer for all to hear
December 23, 2021
The Talon wishes Ankeny High students, staff, and the community a happy holiday. From students and staff singing their favorite holiday songs to discussing what dessert they would be, get ready to get into the holiday spirit with The Talons second video installment of Holiday Questions.
Holiday Hawks with heart
December 20, 2021
Where can one find the perfect peppermint mocha for this holiday season? This iced peppermint mocha from Starbucks is one of five reviewed.
Peppermint mocha: Coffee Review
December 16, 2021
From the strangest gifts received to holiday foods and traditions, AHS students and staff share some holiday favorites.
Happy holidays, AHS
December 14, 2021
Gift shopping is one of the most recognized traditions each holiday season. What is your plan for gifting this season for the ones you love?
Holiday shopping gift guide
December 10, 2021
Pulitzer Prize winning musical artist, Kendrick Lamar, makes quite a comeback with his new album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.
United in Kendrick: a review
May 25, 2022
High prices are a common sight for many students at stations around the Des Moines metro area as well as the U.S. It takes a whole lot more to fill gas tanks right now, and the price does not seem to be plateauing.
OPINION: Price on the rise
May 19, 2022
Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness is playing at B & B in Ankeny currently through May 25. The science fiction action film is part of the Multiverse franchise and has fans of the Marvel empire talking.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness movie review
May 17, 2022
A rainy street in Mons Belgium just begging to be enjoyed by tourists on a stroll. Europe is such an breathtaking continent. The different cultures and countries all in one place is truly amazing. All European countries are different, yet somewhat similar. So if you are traveling across Europe and going through different countries: It is important to keep in mind that while you’re still on the same continent, you are not in the same country.  What I mean by this is that all of these countries, or at least most of them, speak different languages. They have other differences, but this is one of the most important to remember. So, if you were to start your trip in France, and travel to Germany and then maybe to Italy, you have to be prepared for the switch in language.
Tips, tricks, tidbits: Surviving travel in a different country
March 10, 2022
Ankeny esnior guard Ryan Crandall (#5) shoots a jump shot against Valley senior forward Ruot Bijiek (#22).
Reactions to Ankeny’s substate draw: boys basketball
January 28, 2022
Schmitz (left) and Johnson (right) pose for a photo with Ankeny’s new trophy for tennis team-state quarter finalists. Schmitz and Johnson both played singles against Dowling Catholic during the team state tournament last Saturday, May 21.
The road to state: AHS seniors help take girls’ tennis to new heights
May 24, 2022
Ankeny boys and girls soccer go head to head with a crosstown rivalry showdown for both the Hawks, Hawkettes, and the Jags. Hawk boys senior forward Lucas Newhard (left) and senior starter Connor Wahlburg (right) celebrate against Marshalltown.
Pack the pitch: crosstown rivarly
May 3, 2022
Senior Ryan Crandall (#5) shoots a jump shot against Marshalltown. The Hawks took on Waukee Northwest Dec. 17 with a final score of Waukee Northwest 57 and Hawks 50.
Diving into the statesheet
December 17, 2021
The Ankeny dance team celebrate their team spirit at dance camp.
Ankeny dance team competes at ISDTA state competition
December 3, 2021
With high confidence and great senior leadership, the Ankeny Hawkette volleyball team began their road to defending their state championship title on Tuesday, Aug. 24
Hawkette volleyball season recap
November 24, 2021
The Alibis cast in costume rehearsing during tech week on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The fall play had its opening show Friday, Nov. 4. There are two additional showings Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2:00 p.m.
All hands on deck
November 5, 2022
AHS junior Chloe McGrath poses with the stuffed animal chipmunk collection she used to create the video that won her an Upper Midwest Student Production Award from the National Academy of Television and Arts, “Chipmunks Lost in Time.”
Video and Audio Broadcasting is class for people with passion
May 31, 2022
Social studies teacher Nicholas Covington poses against the whiteboard in his classroom after writing down notes for his economics class. Covington said that it was tough to tell everyone he was leaving, but glad they all understood. “That was the hardest part I think, telling the students because there were audible gasps,” Covington said.
Social studies teacher opens up on departure from Ankeny Schools
May 30, 2022
The outdoors fall fiesta brings Ankeny High School students to the turf field to eat walking tacos and play a series of fall related games on Oct. 4, 2021.
AHS’ Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) welcomes all
May 6, 2022
This is a page from “Pasta,” a zine made by sophomore Julien Noble. In this zine, the protagonist makes spaghetti, the swirling noodles symbolize his swirling thoughts, and he is eventually consumed by his anxiety.
Youth in crisis
January 13, 2022

The Talon

The Talon
The Ankeny Community School Districts current strategic plan, which outlines the districts operations from 2022 to 2027, is divided into three pillars, each representing a set of goals relating to a different part of the education process. The first focuses on preparing students for success after high school, the second focuses on effective teachers, building leadership, and other staff throughout the district, and the third focuses on providing students with a learning environment that enhances education.
Showcase
'This is a five year plan, and this is only year one'
Noa Jones, Staff Reporter • November 21, 2022
Midterm elections in Iowa are on Tuesday, November 8. Voters will have the opportunity to vote for governor as well as House and Senate candidates on the state and national level.
Awareness behind it all
Natalie Jasso and Kaylie Brandhorst  • November 7, 2022
The Alibis cast in costume rehearsing during tech week on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The fall play had its opening show Friday, Nov. 4. There are two additional showings Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2:00 p.m.
All hands on deck
Joanna Guerrero , Editor; Staff Reporter • November 5, 2022
News
'This is a five year plan, and this is only year one'
Noa Jones, Staff Reporter • November 21, 2022
Awareness behind it all
Natalie Jasso and Kaylie Brandhorst  • November 7, 2022
Grades vs. mental health: students voice their concerns
Gabby Risk, Staff Reporter; Web Editor • May 5, 2022
COVID-19 impacts: standardized testing
Raj Vincent Bete, Staff Reporter • May 3, 2022
‘Victory for girls’ sports’?
Lauren Kemp, Editor; Staff Reporter • April 14, 2022
Entertainment
Hawks spread cheer for all to hear
Vivian Wu, Staff Reporter; Videographer • December 23, 2021
Holiday Hawks with heart
Vivian Wu, Staff Reporter; Videographer • December 20, 2021
Peppermint mocha: Coffee Review
Brianna Peterson, Staff Reporter • December 16, 2021
Happy holidays, AHS
Vivian Wu and Sarah Rose • December 14, 2021
Holiday shopping gift guide
Elisabeth Poock, Staff Reporter; Social Media Manager • December 10, 2021
Opinion
Pulitzer Prize winning musical artist, Kendrick Lamar, makes quite a comeback with his new album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.
United in Kendrick: a review
Lejla Ahmetovic, Staff Reporter • May 25, 2022

After a long hiatus, Kendrick Lamar has returned to broadcast the fruits of his labor.  After a five-year dry streak, Lamar released his...

High prices are a common sight for many students at stations around the Des Moines metro area as well as the U.S. It takes a whole lot more to fill gas tanks right now, and the price does not seem to be plateauing.
OPINION: Price on the rise
Lejla Ahmetovic, Staff Reporter • May 19, 2022

As gas prices continue to rise, people begin to ask more questions while searching for answers. If you have not noticed already, gas prices...

Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness is playing at B & B in Ankeny currently through May 25. The science fiction action film is part of the Multiverse franchise and has fans of the Marvel empire talking.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness movie review
Justin Banks, Staff Reporter • May 17, 2022

To continue the tradition of Marvel movie reviews, comes the newest edition in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU ), "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse...

Schmitz (left) and Johnson (right) pose for a photo with Ankeny’s new trophy for tennis team-state quarter finalists. Schmitz and Johnson both played singles against Dowling Catholic during the team state tournament last Saturday, May 21.
Sports
The road to state: AHS seniors help take girls’ tennis to new heights
Gabby Risk and Sophie Rohlfing • May 24, 2022

Since the split between AHS and Ankeny Centennial High School (ACHS) in 2013, the AHS girls’ tennis team has never had a doubles team qualify...

Ankeny boys and girls soccer go head to head with a crosstown rivalry showdown for both the Hawks, Hawkettes, and the Jags. Hawk boys senior forward Lucas Newhard (left) and senior starter Connor Wahlburg (right) celebrate against Marshalltown.
Pack the pitch: crosstown rivarly
Devin Cooper, Sam Hansen, and Anthony Hawkins • May 3, 2022
Senior Ryan Crandall (#5) shoots a jump shot against Marshalltown. The Hawks took on Waukee Northwest Dec. 17 with a final score of Waukee Northwest 57 and Hawks 50.
Diving into the statesheet
Paul Erredge, Sports Reporter • December 17, 2021
The Ankeny dance team celebrate their team spirit at dance camp.
Ankeny dance team competes at ISDTA state competition
Mackenzie Slump, Social Media Manager • December 3, 2021
With high confidence and great senior leadership, the Ankeny Hawkette volleyball team began their road to defending their state championship title on Tuesday, Aug. 24
Hawkette volleyball season recap
Ashtyn Billings, Sports Reporter; Social Media Manager • November 24, 2021
Features
The Alibis cast in costume rehearsing during tech week on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The fall play had its opening show Friday, Nov. 4. There are two additional showings Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2:00 p.m.
All hands on deck
Joanna Guerrero , Editor; Staff Reporter • November 5, 2022

Entering Mollie Jo Blahunka’s room, head of Ankeny’s drama department and English teacher, it is filled with laughter and chatter from the...

AHS junior Chloe McGrath poses with the stuffed animal chipmunk collection she used to create the video that won her an Upper Midwest Student Production Award from the National Academy of Television and Arts, “Chipmunks Lost in Time.”
Video and Audio Broadcasting is class for people with passion
Brylee Moyer, Staff Reporter • May 31, 2022

Chloe McGrath is a junior at Ankeny High School (AHS) who was nominated to go to the 11th Annual Upper Midwest Emmy Foundation Student Production...

Social studies teacher Nicholas Covington poses against the whiteboard in his classroom after writing down notes for his economics class. Covington said that it was tough to tell everyone he was leaving, but glad they all understood. “That was the hardest part I think, telling the students because there were audible gasps,” Covington said.
Social studies teacher opens up on departure from Ankeny Schools
Sophie Rohlfing, Staff Reporter; Web Editor • May 30, 2022

Nicholas Covington has worked at Ankeny High School as an Advanced Placement European History and economics teacher since 2012. In Feb. 2022...

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