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The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
Fans Cheer for the Ankeny High Hawks, on Friday 9/19. Photo by Bryant Warren
The Bright Side of the Game
October 1, 2025
Ankeny Community School District (ACSD) hopes to provide students with many different opportunities before they graduate. “I think we have to do a better job of anticipating the need versus being reactionary,” ACSD Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt said. “This is our approach of attempting to be strategic, anticipating need through our collaboration with business partners, industry partners, and then also listening to our students and our parents around how we do a more effective job of serving all kids and improving the experience and opportunities that we afford them here in the District.” Image created by Invision Architects, published with permission from Samantha Aukes
Ankeny Community School District seeks a $130 million dollar bond
September 18, 2025
Some Ankeny High School (AHS) students have been outraged since school started due to the absence of chocolate milk in the cafeteria, but this regulation goes far beyond the Ankeny school district (ACSD). Students pose with their chocolate milk photographed by River Phillips, made using SCRL by River Phillips.
The chocolate milk debacle
September 2, 2025
Senate File 175 emphasizes the humanity of the unborn child constructing a focus on prenatal human development and pointing out that development starts after fertilization. The bill utilizes AI to showcase what development may look like in the early stages. The image on the right is what Canva Magic Media AI said an unborn baby looks like at 4 weeks. Graphic created by Lydia Gerety using Canva.
Iowa Legislature passes a bill to showcase students the ‘humanity’ of the unborn
April 29, 2025
Members of the Mental Health Club hosted an event during school. Published with permission from Will Harms.
Breaking the silence
April 2, 2025
Iowa State University's production of the classic Shakespearean tragedy, Julius Caesar, leaves audiences entranced and connected to the emotion laid out on the stage of the Fisher Theater. Photo by Lynae Midkiff.
Review: Julius Caesar at Iowa State University
October 3, 2025
Laurie Halse Anderson wrote the realistic fiction book “Speak” about the high school experience as an outcast. A party in the month before school is ruined, because the main character calls the cops to the house. She hasn’t spoken since. Anderson, L. H. (2006). Speak. Square Fish.
“Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson
October 2, 2025
Album cover for ‘Lonely at the Top’. Released August 29th, 2025. (Columbia Records, Pro Era, Cinematic Music Group)
Lonely at the Top of a hill, not rap
September 12, 2025
Pop culture icon Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce announced their engagement on Aug. 26th to mixed opinions from the public, but should love be objective? Graphic made by Olivia Luna using Canva.
Taylor & Travis: A fairytale engagement
September 5, 2025
“Stans” is now streaming on Paramount+. The film runs at one hour and 42 minutes, and is not rated. Poster courtesy of Shady Films, Hill District Media, DIGA Studios, and MTV Entertainment Studios.
“Stans” movie review
September 4, 2025
“Stans” is now streaming on Paramount+. The film runs at one hour and 42 minutes, and is not rated. Poster courtesy of Shady Films, Hill District Media, DIGA Studios, and MTV Entertainment Studios.
“Stans” movie review
September 4, 2025
“Thunderbolts*” is now playing in a theater near you. The film runs at two hours and six minutes, and is rated PG-13. Poster courtesy of Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios.
How “Thunderbolts*” brings Marvel back to its promising glory days | REVIEW
May 2, 2025
“A Minecraft Movie” is now playing in a theater near you. The film is rated PG and runs at an hour and 41 minutes. Poster from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Entertainment.
Why “A Minecraft Movie” blocked itself from success | REVIEW
April 4, 2025
Poster for “Mickey 17” courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. The R-rated film is now playing in a theater near you, and runs at two hours and 17 minutes.
“Mickey 17”: Sci-fi meets political drama
March 7, 2025
The Monkey is now playing in a theater near you. The film runs at one hour and 38 minutes and is rated R. Movie poster from Neon Cinema.
How “The Monkey” blended horror and comedy in a fun way
February 21, 2025
Album cover for ‘Lonely at the Top’. Released August 29th, 2025. (Columbia Records, Pro Era, Cinematic Music Group)
Lonely at the Top of a hill, not rap
September 12, 2025
Join hosts Nolan and Blake for one last episode as they discuss recent drops, concerts, and news in the Hip-Hop space. Design made by Nolan McNulty using Canva. 
Now Playing…
May 20, 2025
Cover of “MUSIC” by Playboi Carti which dropped on March 14th, 2025 with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes distributed by AWGE and Interscope Records.
Playboi Carti’s “MUSIC” Album Review
April 4, 2025
Made by Olivia Luna using Canva
Increasing elitism within concerts
April 4, 2025
Created by Brogan Smith using Canva, The graphic displays a representation of music and audio being continuously recycled, a technique that has been famously used throughout music history.
The recycling of music
March 6, 2025
Iowa State University's production of the classic Shakespearean tragedy, Julius Caesar, leaves audiences entranced and connected to the emotion laid out on the stage of the Fisher Theater. Photo by Lynae Midkiff.
Review: Julius Caesar at Iowa State University
October 3, 2025
Laurie Halse Anderson wrote the realistic fiction book “Speak” about the high school experience as an outcast. A party in the month before school is ruined, because the main character calls the cops to the house. She hasn’t spoken since. Anderson, L. H. (2006). Speak. Square Fish.
“Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson
October 2, 2025
In a society where freedom is idolized, when are we actually free and when are we shackled to the idea of freedom? Image made by River Phillips using Canva.
The price of freedom
September 15, 2025
Album cover for ‘Lonely at the Top’. Released August 29th, 2025. (Columbia Records, Pro Era, Cinematic Music Group)
Lonely at the Top of a hill, not rap
September 12, 2025
Pop culture icon Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce announced their engagement on Aug. 26th to mixed opinions from the public, but should love be objective? Graphic made by Olivia Luna using Canva.
Taylor & Travis: A fairytale engagement
September 5, 2025
In a society where freedom is idolized, when are we actually free and when are we shackled to the idea of freedom? Image made by River Phillips using Canva.
The price of freedom
September 15, 2025
Barrio Barrito Bar located 1510 N Ankeny Blvd, Suite 102, Ankeny, IA 50023 Photo By Caden McGlin
Barrio Burrito Bar
May 28, 2025
In the newest column by the Talon Staff, reporters show their appreciation to some of their favorite teachers in Ankeny High School! Design by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Talon appreciates teachers
May 9, 2025
“It's just the lack of desire to do the work that's been given to you when you have so many things ahead of you. It's just like it doesn't matter.” Senior Mia Koka said. Created by Sylvia Bartlett using Canva.
So close, but so far
May 5, 2025
Ankeny Girls Basketball stand for the National Anthem before a game against Dallas Center Grimes on January 1. Photo by Grady Andersen
Previewing all 8 regions in Girls Class 5A
February 18, 2025
Second edition of The Talon editorial, design made using Canva by River Phillips.
Talon Editorial: Critique of Modern Media
May 23, 2025
As the world grapples with the fallout of TikTok's ban, its impact on society, politics, and culture marks a pivotal moment in history. From reshaping habits to sparking debates on free speech and national security, this decision leaves a lasting impression on the global stage. Visual made by Tobias Landmesser using Canva
Talon Editorial: TikTok, the current predicament
January 17, 2025
Offensive Lineman Owen Liechti celebrates with Wide Receiver Andrew Brandhorst after a touchdown late in the game.
Friday Night Lights: 10/3
October 6, 2025
Created by Bryant Warren using Adobe Photoshop
What to Watch: Hawks vs Dragons
October 3, 2025
Fans Cheer for the Ankeny High Hawks, on Friday 9/19. Photo by Bryant Warren
The Bright Side of the Game
October 1, 2025
Friday Night Lights: Homecoming
September 29, 2025
The fourth-ranked Ankeny volleyball team celebrates after a big point during a September 3rd matchup with 5A #9 Valley. The Hawkettes would go on to get a big win in three sets in their first home conference matchup. Photo by Suri Sithep
With each other, for each other
September 16, 2025
Teams prepare for UTL games by creating flags and gathering to design and decorate their uniforms, demonstrating unity and excitement in the face of friendly school competition. Photo by Jackson Betsworth
Under the Lights: A homecoming tradition
September 29, 2025
The homecoming dance can bring students together, but many Ankeny High School (AHS) students aren't aware of the history and preparation that make that memorable night possible. Photo by the 24-25 AHS yearbook staff.
The inner workings of homecoming festivities
September 25, 2025
Ankeny High School welcomes Brett Iverson, our new head custodian, in charge of keeping our building clean and our students safe. Dedicated to making sure everyone feels like they belong, Brett Iverson embodies our Hawk values perfectly. Photo by Jackson Betsworth.
‘We’re all a family here’
September 19, 2025
Hosting exchange students provides children with an opportunity to learn about other cultures and gain a sense of community in a foreign country. “We text a lot, we randomly check up on each other, say we miss each other, things like that.” Evy Allison said. Photo published with permission by Evy Allison and Jose Salas. Graphic created by Leah Bierl using SCRL.
Connecting Our Countries
September 19, 2025
Senior Grady Andersen keeps stats at an Ankeny Hawks baseball game. He’s been helping with the team since his freshman year, and added roles in basketball and football by sophomore year. “Grady has found a place,” said his dad, Kiron Andersen. “And I hope he's created an opportunity for someone else.” That sense of opportunity and support runs through everything Grady does—from filming plays to mentoring underclassmen. Photo published with permission from Dylan Shoemaker (@thefittestphotographer)
Grady Andersen: The man on the sideline
May 29, 2025
Ankeny High School welcomes Brett Iverson, our new head custodian, in charge of keeping our building clean and our students safe. Dedicated to making sure everyone feels like they belong, Brett Iverson embodies our Hawk values perfectly. Photo by Jackson Betsworth.
‘We’re all a family here’
September 19, 2025
Senior Grady Andersen keeps stats at an Ankeny Hawks baseball game. He’s been helping with the team since his freshman year, and added roles in basketball and football by sophomore year. “Grady has found a place,” said his dad, Kiron Andersen. “And I hope he's created an opportunity for someone else.” That sense of opportunity and support runs through everything Grady does—from filming plays to mentoring underclassmen. Photo published with permission from Dylan Shoemaker (@thefittestphotographer)
Grady Andersen: The man on the sideline
May 29, 2025
Codee Myers talks to senior Grace Buch during a break in play. Myers has coached for the girls’ basketball program since the 2021-22 season.
Codee Myers: helping students get their head in the game
May 12, 2025
Foreign exchange student Natali Bairamidi (far right) stands with her host family on a trip to Dyersville, Iowa. Photo published with permission from Natali Bairamidi.
‘Being here makes me feel like I am heard, seen, and understood.’
April 14, 2025
Leister smiling for the camera. Photo published with permission from Mary Kate Leister.
Merry Mary: New to the nest
April 9, 2025
Teams prepare for UTL games by creating flags and gathering to design and decorate their uniforms, demonstrating unity and excitement in the face of friendly school competition. Photo by Jackson Betsworth
Under the Lights: A homecoming tradition
September 29, 2025
On episode 9 of "Now Playing..." Blake and Nolan discuss the long-awaited album from Playboi Carti, titled "MUSIC". Design made by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
April 15, 2025
Hosts Nolan and Blake bring on guest Brogan Smith to talk about his experience with the Chromakopia Tour on this episode of "Now Playing...". Design made by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
April 11, 2025
The Hawkettes shake hands after a 50-27 loss to the No. 2 Dowling Catholic Maroons.
Hawkettes wrap up regular season with loss to Maroons
February 12, 2025
Ellie Bovee poses with her horse M&M for her senior photos. Photo by Tori Versteegh, published with permission by Ellie Bovee
Ellie Bovee: A force to be reckoned with
February 11, 2025
On episode 9 of "Now Playing..." Blake and Nolan discuss the long-awaited album from Playboi Carti, titled "MUSIC". Design made by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
April 15, 2025
Hosts Nolan and Blake bring on guest Brogan Smith to talk about his experience with the Chromakopia Tour on this episode of "Now Playing...". Design made by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
April 11, 2025
Hosts Nolan McNulty and Blake Eichmeier bring on guest speaker Ryan Cox to talk about The Weeknd's final album, "Hurry Up Tomorrow" on episode 7. Design by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
February 4, 2025
"Now Playing..." returns after a hiatus, talking about Travis Scott, Djo, and Hinterland on episode 6. Design made by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
January 28, 2025
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The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
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The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
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The Gray Room Podcast

Episode 4- Special guest AHS Principal Dr. “DJ” Johnson
Charlie Christensen and Griffin Nye
February 19, 2024
Vivian Wu
Griffin, Dr. Johnson, and I discuss Dr. Johnson’s current music taste.
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$385
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