The Talon

The Student News Site of Ankeny High School
The 2022-2023 school year has been the first year at Ankeny High for many administrators including Principal Dr. Daniel Johnson. Administrators hope to improve and build relationships with students at Ankeny High School. “We are being transparent and being communicative to build relationships [with students]., Dr. Johnson said. One reason why you always see me in the hallways.”
Restorative practices equal positive behaviors
March 28, 2023
Ankeny students rally just outside of Ankeny High School holding pride flags and listening to speakers share personal stories about empowerment, frustrations, and hurt with regards to anti-LGBTQ legislation. Ankeny High School students took part in a state-wide walkout along with 46 other schools and a total of 10,000 students on March 1. The walkout, organized by the Iowa Queer Student Alliance and Iowa WTF, was formed in response to recent legislation circulating the capitol. An estimated number of 150 students, grade 8-12, walked outside of the high school, waving rainbow flags and holding posters.
The march continues
March 5, 2023
“Everyone is welcome no matter what part of the community youre a part of or not a part of, Iowa QSA and Iowa WTF member, walk out organizer, and senior Jemma Bullock said. The walk out seeks to bring attention to recent legislation in Iowa. Iowa WTF put together a list of Iowa legislative bills to watch. The group, according to their Instagram page is “A coalition of young people fighting discriminatory legislation through advocacy, activism, and civic engagement.”
AHS students to take part in state-wide walkout against recent legislation
February 28, 2023
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
Awareness behind it all
November 7, 2022
Shown here is a BeReal posted by AHS senior Drew Taylor with fellow AHS students at a football game.
Let’s BeReal about social media
January 6, 2023
“SOS”
December 22, 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
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
AHS football players Joe Kingston, Jamison Patton, JJ Kohl, and Drew Monsivais on the field.
Inside the life of a student-athlete
January 10, 2023
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 rivalry
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
Senior J Walters hopes to continue their pursuit of public speaking in the future. Their ability to connect and share messages with people is something they want to continue. “Im going to UNI to become an art teacher, senior J Walters said. If there is not already a speech coach, I’m determined to become one. I want to stick to speech and performing at least as a hobby. The idea of this just being the end doesn’t sit right with me.”
Senior J Walters: All-State bound
March 29, 2023
Senior Sam Stember plays trumpet in the band room after school. His main instruments are tuba and bass trombone.“The fact that Sam is such a talented musician and the fact that he can play equally as good on bass trombone in Jazz Ensemble as he can on tuba in Concert Band and sousaphone in Marching Band [demonstrates how] Sam is a well-rounded, versatile musician,” Jennifer Williams, head director of Ankeny High School Bands, said.
It’s okay, he’s with the band
March 23, 2023
The Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA) is the organization that allows speech and other activities like it happen in the state of Iowa. Their only requirement for someone to participate in group or individual speech is to “stay academically eligible.” The next competition will be the individual speech state competition at Ames High School on Saturday, March 11.
Just speechy
March 9, 2023
Locking down language learning
Locking down language learning
March 6, 2023
AHS football players Joe Kingston, Jamison Patton, JJ Kohl, and Drew Monsivais on the field.
Inside the life of a student-athlete
January 10, 2023

The Talon

The Talon
Senior J Walters hopes to continue their pursuit of public speaking in the future. Their ability to connect and share messages with people is something they want to continue. “Im going to UNI to become an art teacher, senior J Walters said. If there is not already a speech coach, I’m determined to become one. I want to stick to speech and performing at least as a hobby. The idea of this just being the end doesn’t sit right with me.”

Senior J Walters: All-State bound

Joanna Guerrero, Social Media Editor • March 29, 2023

After seven years Ankeny High School had a student present for the Individual All State Festival hosted by Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA). And senior J Walters, a well-spoken talented individual,...

The 2022-2023 school year has been the first year at Ankeny High for many administrators including Principal Dr. Daniel Johnson. Administrators hope to improve and build relationships with students at Ankeny High School. “We are being transparent and being communicative to build relationships [with students]., Dr. Johnson said. One reason why you always see me in the hallways.”

Restorative practices equal positive behaviors

Joanna Guerrero, Social Media Editor • March 28, 2023

Restorative Practice is a progressive way of dealing with disciplinary issues in the classroom. They are strategies that aim to build positive relationships among students with teachers. It focuses on...

Senior Sam Stember plays trumpet in the band room after school. His main instruments are tuba and bass trombone.“The fact that Sam is such a talented musician and the fact that he can play equally as good on bass trombone in Jazz Ensemble as he can on tuba in Concert Band and sousaphone in Marching Band [demonstrates how] Sam is a well-rounded, versatile musician,” Jennifer Williams, head director of Ankeny High School Bands, said.

It’s okay, he’s with the band

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer • March 23, 2023

In the sweltering summer heat, kids with hands full of instruments trudge towards Ankeny High School for marching band practice. But one person is not just walking towards the field; he’s making loud...

The Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA) is the organization that allows speech and other activities like it happen in the state of Iowa. Their only requirement for someone to participate in group or individual speech is to “stay academically eligible.” The next competition will be the individual speech state competition at Ames High School on Saturday, March 11.

Just speechy

Scott Kruse, Business Editor • March 9, 2023

Although the Ankeny football field has been silent and frosted over for many months now, the cross-country runner’s shoes are shoved to the back of the closet, and the marching band's snare drums are...

Ankeny students rally just outside of Ankeny High School holding pride flags and listening to speakers share personal stories about empowerment, frustrations, and hurt with regards to anti-LGBTQ legislation. Ankeny High School students took part in a state-wide walkout along with 46 other schools and a total of 10,000 students on March 1. The walkout, organized by the Iowa Queer Student Alliance and Iowa WTF, was formed in response to recent legislation circulating the capitol. An estimated number of 150 students, grade 8-12, walked outside of the high school, waving rainbow flags and holding posters.

The march continues

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer • March 5, 2023

Protests, marches, and walkouts continue across Iowa as anti-LGBTQ legislation makes its way to the Capitol. So far 33 anti-LGBTQ laws have been introduced at the Iowa Capitol. Among these are House...

“Everyone is welcome no matter what part of the community youre a part of or not a part of, Iowa QSA and Iowa WTF member, walk out organizer, and senior Jemma Bullock said. The walk out seeks to bring attention to recent legislation in Iowa. Iowa WTF put together a list of Iowa legislative bills to watch. The group, according to their Instagram page is “A coalition of young people fighting discriminatory legislation through advocacy, activism, and civic engagement.”

AHS students to take part in state-wide walkout against recent legislation

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer • February 28, 2023

On Wednesday, March 1, at 1:05 p.m., students from Ankeny High School will take part in a walkout for LGBTQ+ rights, along with 14 other Iowa public schools. These walkouts are in protest of the recent...

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’

Noa Jones, Editor; Staff Reporter • November 21, 2022

Ankeny Community School District’s new five-year strategic plan begins implementation this school year, and is intended to guide district-wide improvements in various areas. The strategic plan can be...

Awareness behind it all

Natalie Jasso and Kaylie Brandhorst  • November 7, 2022

Ankeny High School students admit to being unaware to policies, laws, bills, and the educational stake in the upcoming midterm elections in Iowa.  Midterm elections are just around the corner on Nov....

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 , Social Media Editor • 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 crew and cast members of the fall play, The Alibis. Some of...

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 Awards event in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She went on to...

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 he announced his resignation from AHS to pursue his further...

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 5th studio album, “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” His...

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