The Talon

The Student News Site of Ankeny High School
English teacher and journalism adviser Alissa Hansen’s Hawk Time on Friday, Sept. 8 consisted of The Talon, AHS’s student-run news team staff. The Talon is brainstorming ideas for their website and social media, and preparing for the upcoming field trip to Iowa City for the Iowa High School Press Association. This is one of many different Hawk Time’s that students can sign up for.
Stop, it’s Hawk Time!
September 12, 2023
The Ankeny school board had its meeting on Monday, June 19. In addition to finance approvals and facilities requests, some district employees spoke out regarding contract negotiations. “Hundreds of teachers show up at these school board meetings in hopes that a message will be delivered to you. However, the lack of questions being asked from your end only perpetuates the problem,” Centennial High math teacher Dana Degeeter said. Centennial High language arts interventionist Kelcy Lofgren expressed frustrations with the board process. “School board meetings were not moved to a larger venue when space was available to accommodate teachers who wanted to attend, Lofgren said. These actions signal that employees and employee voices are not valued.”
Ankeny school board meeting recap: June 19
June 20, 2023
The National Champion Mock Trial team has placed Ankeny in the highest level, a level not typically seen for public schools. “There were tons of Ivy League prep schools—like the $40,000+ a year Princeton Day School from New Jersey that we eliminated in the second round—and so Ankeny stood out as a public school,” assistant coach of the Miller-Metzger Academy, Joe Metzger said. “We showed that not only can public school kids compete with prestigious prep schools. We can beat them.”
AHS Mock Trial: National Champions
May 24, 2023
The Miller-Metzger Academy with their coaches. From left to right: Stephanie Gray, Hannah Pross, Nicki Casady, Sareena Casady, Marissa Larson-Minar, Mallory Jordan, Hayden DeWitt, Chloe Andersen, Grant Miner, Marcus Miller, Noah Yeager, Joe Metzger, Raegan Hansen, Amy Akers.
AHS Mock Trial team wins State, Nationals next
April 6, 2023
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
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
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
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
The Ankeny Marching Hawks are ready for the Homecoming game.
Ankeny Hawks, 16-10 vs. Johnston Dragons in final Homecoming game showdown
September 18, 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
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
There’s some new faces at Ankeny High
There’s some new faces at Ankeny High
September 1, 2023
Saying goodbye is never easy. These 10 Ankeny High (AHS) teachers say goodbye to the Hawk Nest by sharing some of their fondest memories and experiences during their time at AHS.
Farewell to some Hawksome educators
June 2, 2023
The AHS student section hold up flashlights during the Homecoming game against Valley High School at Ankeny’s stadium on Sept. 30, 2022.
Football student sections: the reality
March 31, 2023
The 2022-2023 school year marks Dr. Daniel Johnsons first year as AHS principal. According to staff and students alike, it has not taken long for Dr. Johnson to make an impact by becoming more of a presence. From senior selfies and inspiring all to have a Hawksome day, Dr. Johnson is establishing a culture at AHS that supports every individual in the Hawk nest.
Defining Hawk culture
March 30, 2023
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
Sprinkling sparkles
September 7, 2023
Nest News #2- Week of 9/4/23
September 7, 2023
Nest News #1- Week of 9/28/23
September 7, 2023
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
The Talon Talks is the Talons weekly podcast featuring in-depth interviews and student-run segments.
Episode 2: The Talon Talks Podcast
May 17, 2022

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The topics of school mask mandates and vaccines has been widely polarizing as schools across the country open up for in-person learning. On Dec. 7, the Ankeny School Board voted to discontinue the mask mandate for the Ankeny Community School District beginning Dec. 8. “It’s everyones choice; they arent saying you can’t wear a mask. They’re just saying for the people who don’t want to, then they arent forced to, which I’m not big into, but I literally got vaccinated for a reason,” junior Sharice Mamuya said.

The fate of mask mandates, vaccines, and the lawsuit that changed Iowa

Dominic Luna, Social Planner • December 15, 2021

As of Dec. 8, masks have become optional to staff and students in the Ankeny  Community School District (ACSD). This decision was determined by a 4-3 vote made by the ACSD School Board on Dec. 7. The...

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

Katie Hernandez, Graphic Designer • December 14, 2021

It is undeniable that the transition between fall and winter brings giddy feelings about the upcoming holiday season. However, it can become easy to get wrapped up in our own traditions and forget about...

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

Elisabeth Poock, Staff Reporter; Social Media Manager • December 10, 2021

The holidays are quickly approaching, and with this comes the tradition of gift-giving. Giving gifts to others has been a tradition since cavemen were around, however, it continues to get more difficult...

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

The Ankeny dance team prepares all year for the moment they step out onto the stage at the Iowa State Dance/Drill Team Association (ISDTA) competition Friday, Dec. 3. Through hard work, early morning practices,...

Holiday Polls!

Jemma Bullock, Staff Reporter; Movie Reviewer • December 3, 2021

Happy Holiday's everyone! Enjoy these festive polls and share your favorite parts of the holidays!      

Crochet/Knitting Club founder, junior Ocn Brown, ready to go with her knitting supplies.

Welcome to the Knitting, Crochet Club

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer • November 18, 2021

Do you ever walk around and see someone bent over with half a scarf made between two needles? Nowadays, it is not too rare to find someone exactly like that at school, and chances are, that person is probably...

Weekly Polls

Weekly Polls

November 18, 2021
New polls every Thursday! Check in each week to see results and share your opinions!
Marvels Studios 2021 movie Eternals came out on November 5th

Marvel “Eternals” Movie Review

Jemma Bullock, Staff Reporter; Movie Reviewer • November 9, 2021

Fans have been debating the quality of Marvel’s new movie, “Eternals.” Specifically, Marvel fans have debated whether watching the movie is worth it. The movie features actors Angelina Jolie (Thena),...

National French Week

National French Week

Jemma Bullock, Staff Reporter; Movie Reviewer • November 9, 2021

From Nov. 1-5, students in the French Honors Society organized events to celebrate National French Week. Student members organized activities after school for all students to participate in that were centered...

Know My Name by Chanel Miller, written in 2019, is a 368 page memoir about a sexual assault survivor.

“Know My Name” by Chanel Miller

By Junior Aya Fouad, special to The Talon • November 5, 2021
This opinion piece was submitted to the Talon by Aya Fouad about the book "Say My Name" by Chanel Miller.
A Spot of Trouble by Teri Wilson.

Teri Wilson’s A Spot of Trouble

Brianna Peterson, Staff Reporter • November 5, 2021

Dalmations, softball, and crazy enemies, to lovers’ romance, are all encompassed in Teri Wilson’s book, A Spot of Trouble. Her book dives right into the plot without a hitch, grabbing the reader’s...

Ankeny Marching Hawks are at the 2021 Waukee Invitational performance. Ankeny won more competitions this year than in the previous years, winning valley fest for the first time since 1997 according to Ankeny School’s announcement page, winning by only a tenth of a point. “It’s been incredible to build friendships with new people and see the amount of growth of individuals and the band as a whole,” junior and drum major Jayda Archer said.

Marching Band Season 2021

Bennett Olkiewicz, Marketing Manager • November 5, 2021

The anticipation is overwhelming. The lights are blinding, and the crowd is dead silent. The aroma of a marching band is unlike any other. The Ankeny Marching Hawks have placed first at Valley High School’s...

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