The Talon

The Student News Site of Ankeny High School
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
Will the paper towel dispensers be replenished this school year? The answer is not likely, according to AHS administration. Bathroom incidents are on the rise and this is causing frustrations on all fronts.
Students get answers about paper towels in bathrooms
April 5, 2022
AHSs mixed varsity show choir Visual Adrenaline performs Heal Their Their hearts/Freedom at the Southeast Polk Ramification Showcase on Feb. 26. This performance won them third place overall.
Show Choir: the pretty, the gritty, and the challenges
March 25, 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
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
Spider-man No Way Home has not only been one of the most hyped up movies of 2021, but one of the most hyped up movies ever. People from across the globe have had Dec. 17 circled on their calendar since the summer of 2017 when the movie was originally announced by Marvel. Senior Bradley Dacus and self proclaimed movie critic at Ankeny High School stated, “This is what it all has led up to, Spider-Mans biggest movie. I’ve been waiting for about a year for this movie and I can’t wait to see what happens.”
“Spider-man: No Way Home” movie review
December 23, 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
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
Junior QB JJ Kohl throws a pass against Dowling Catholic.
Know the Opponent: Prairie Hawks
November 3, 2021
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
Juniors Brendan Peteresen and Hannah Pross are captivated by the filtered reality on their cell phones. Sometimes the line between expressing your creativity through social media and letting it have too much of a hold on your life is unclear, and an issue both students and even adults can struggle with. Social media is something many have their own take on, and it is often reasoned that it has a light and dark side to its influences.
The filtered reality
January 12, 2022
AHS students share their favorite holidays and traditions during the holiday season. “I hope everyone has a great holiday season this year, and have fun and be safe,” senior Grace Gibbins said.
An all-inclusive holiday season
December 14, 2021
Crochet/Knitting Club founder, junior Ocn Brown, ready to go with her knitting supplies.
Welcome to the Knitting, Crochet Club
November 18, 2021

The Talon

The Talon
The Talon Talks is the Talons weekly podcast featuring in-depth interviews and student-run segments.
Showcase
Episode 2: The Talon Talks Podcast
May 17, 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
Justin Banks, Staff Reporter • May 17, 2022
The Talon Talks is the Talons weekly podcast featuring in-depth interviews and student-run segments.
Episode 1: The Talon Talks Podcast
May 6, 2022
News
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
Students get answers about paper towels in bathrooms
Sophia Rohlfing, Staff Reporter • April 5, 2022
Show Choir: the pretty, the gritty, and the challenges
Scott Kruse, Staff Reporter; Social Media Manager • March 25, 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
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...

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
Jemma Bullock, Staff Reporter; Movie Reviewer • March 10, 2022

Over this winter break, I went on an overseas trip to five European countries, and I have come back with many different pieces of advice on how...

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
Paul Erredge, Sports Reporter • January 28, 2022

Iowa high school basketball substates just came out, which means it is playoff time. The Hawks are in substate bracket number one, which features...

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.
Sports
Pack the pitch: crosstown rivarly
Devin Cooper, Sam Hansen, and Anthony Hawkins • May 3, 2022

For the end of this school year, Ankeny High School looks to witness a historic run from their boys soccer team. A couple weeks into their season...

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
Junior QB JJ Kohl throws a pass against Dowling Catholic.
Know the Opponent: Prairie Hawks
Paul Erredge, Sports Reporter • November 3, 2021
Features
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
Jaci Shrum, Staff Reporter • May 6, 2022

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is an organization “working to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of...

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
Vivian Wu, Staff Reporter; Videographer • January 13, 2022

Homework, school, and other activities, worldly problems, personal problems - these are issues that all students face. With so much going on...

Juniors Brendan Peteresen and Hannah Pross are captivated by the filtered reality on their cell phones. Sometimes the line between expressing your creativity through social media and letting it have too much of a hold on your life is unclear, and an issue both students and even adults can struggle with. Social media is something many have their own take on, and it is often reasoned that it has a light and dark side to its influences.
The filtered reality
Luke Mora, Staff Reporter • January 12, 2022

Social media is arguably one, if not the most prominent, form of communication and entertainment in the 21st Century. From posing for Instagram...

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