The Talon

The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

Upcoming Events
  • 3/20 Jazz Ensemble @ Noce
  • 3/22 Girls Soccer
  • 3/22 Show Choir Performance
  • 3/23 Boys Soccer vs. Des Moines Roosevelt
  • 3/23 Show Choir Performance

The Talon

The Talon

It is parachute day in P.E.O.P.E.L. P.E. class. Students who want to make a difference, make new and true friends, or to try a different physical education credit can take P.E.O.P.E.L. P.E. and/or join Circle of Friends. The next Circle of Friends event will be kickball from 4-5 p.m. at Miracle League Park in Ankney

P.E.O.P.E.L. P.E.

Grace Risk, Staff Reporter March 6, 2024

Would you enjoy high school as much if it used an elementary-style schedule? One classroom, one teacher, and the same handful of students every day, all day. Would you miss the walks to class with friends...

Karin Cowger spending time with former exchange student, Elora, while on vacation in Berlin, Germany.

Embracing roots: Exploring the German heritage of an English teacher

Ava Gifford, Staff Reporter February 8, 2024

On a train bound for Einbeck, Germany, passengers were surprised to find that the train had abruptly stopped. Moments later, a family traveling from East Germany was told they could not continue the trip...

TCA Titans runner Mathew Edwards (left) and Ankeny Hawks runner Ethan Zuber (right) leading the Boys Gold race at the 2023 Rim Rock Invitational meet. Zuber took first place.

State champion and Gatorade Player of the Year

Julius Wiegand, Staff Reporter February 2, 2024

Ankeny High School’s very own junior Ethan Zuber has grown one of the most commanding records in cross-country history including Class 4-A state champion, Rim Rock Champion, and more recently, Gatorade...

AHS junior Evan Huegel is a highly involved student at Ankeny High School who is admired by students and teachers alike for his numerous talents and fun-loving personality. He captivates the crowd with his rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” for the Ankeny Marching Hawks production of “Catch Me If You Can.”

‘The Real Deal’

Josie Babcock, Staff Reporter February 1, 2024

The muggy, midsummer marching band rehearsals are not what all band kids live for. However, beginning band as an alto saxophone player is different. One of the section leaders is serenading the band with...

Infographic made by Hannah Howard using Canva

The Ankeny High library

Hannah Howard, Staff Reporter January 31, 2024

A sophomore wakes up to her alarm a little bit earlier than normal and makes sure her book is packed for the monthly Books and Bagels meeting. Later that day, the bell rings, and a group of juniors set...

Ankeny High School social worker Arin Renaud works in her office. Arin Renaud can help provide students and families with many forms of support. “I hope that people describe me as being kind, genuine, and caring and I hope students think I am supportive, a good listener, and encouraging to them.”

Self-care and finding a balance

Lydia Gerety, Staff Reporter January 30, 2024

As you enter her office, the first thing you will see is a bright smile that is ready to welcome you. When you begin to talk you will notice that she is genuine due to the inviting tone she speaks with,...

Spanish teacher Rosana Brewer dances behind her desk during Baile Viernes. She created Baile Viernes to give students a fun activity to celebrate Fridays. “It’s a Friday, just almost the end of the week. It’s almost the beginning of the weekend, why not? Lets have fun,” Brewer said.

Room 1408: Spanish treasure

Sylvia Bartlett, Staff Reporter December 22, 2023

Room 1408 sits hidden in the language hallway of Ankeny High School, and inside, a peculiar event is taking place. Within the classroom, every student gets up from their seat, some heading to the back...

Ankeny houses several unique coffee shops all of which have something special to offer to the students at AHS. Whether looking for a snug sit down café or a quick drive-through, in Ankeny you are sure to find a coffee shop you will love.

The best coffee shops in Ankeny

Ellie Albert, Staff Reporter December 20, 2023

A lot of difficulty comes with being a high school student, balancing social and family life, extracurriculars, a job, or schoolwork. Some teenagers try to find a fun part of their day such as getting...

Senior Natalee Dermer reads one of Taylor Swift’s journal entries from the deluxe version of the album “Lover.” One of Taylor Swifts 10 albums, Lover was released in 2019 and includes 18 tracks. “I feel like I can always turn to [Taylor Swift] no matter what I’m feeling,” Dermer says.

Swifties Unite

Avery Enright, Staff Reporter December 13, 2023

The voice of Taylor Swift peacefully wakes you up right on schedule, and your day is already off to a great start. After deciding which outfit you are going to wear, it is time to pick the accessories....

 AELP stands for the Ankeny Extended Learning program. It helps students who are academically gifted reach their academic potential by providing extra opportunities for learning.

Talented and Gifted Program at AHS

Sylvia Bartlett, Staff Reporter November 14, 2023

A quiet room, posters of science, math, and literary-related quotes filling the walls, sits nearly empty. Two lone students stand near the front of the room; a single teacher is helping one of the students...

Sophomore Tarynn Hoffman-Muff uses Murrow, an AI-powered journalistic writing program, to create an outline for a story. The program thoroughly explains the steps needed for a successful piece and provides positive feedback and encouragement. This is just one example of AI’s top-tier teaching techniques used to build confidence in the student and reinforce their responses.

Artificial Intelligence in schools: Tool or weapon?

Jordan Goemann, Staff Reporter November 8, 2023

As AI keeps making its way into different areas of our lives, it's becoming a big deal in education too. Schools worldwide are bringing AI tools into classrooms, changing how students learn and teachers...

There’s some new faces at Ankeny High

There’s some new faces at Ankeny High

Joanna Guerrero, Social Media Editor September 1, 2023

The first full week of the school year 2023-2024 is coming to a close. After saying goodbye to 10 hawksome educators last year, we now welcome 13 new faces ranging from academic interventionists, science...

Load More Stories
Donate to The Talon
$375
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

All The Talon Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest