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

The Talon

The Talon
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...

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

Lejla Ahmetovic, Staff Reporter • May 19, 2022

As gas prices continue to rise, people begin to ask more questions while searching for answers. If you have not noticed already, gas prices and inflation seem to dominate the news these days, often...

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 of Madness (MoM)," teased back in 2019. Through multiple...

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 to survive such a trip. Trips to different countries are...

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 Sioux City East, Sioux City West, Sioux City North, Council...

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

Jemma Bullock and Connor Boger • December 23, 2021

The spark of nostalgia is the driving force behind the movie, “Spider-man: No Way Home.” With the confirmed appearances of Willem Dafoe, Alfred Molina, and JK Simmons, as well as the potential cameos...

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

Brianna Peterson, Staff Reporter • December 16, 2021

1. Coffee-Mate Peppermint Mocha ($3.59 for 32 fl oz) For me, making a nice cup of peppermint mocha at home is the best warm and cozy you could possibly get. Everything is up to you, and everything you...

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...

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!      

The huge Black Friday crowds and disputes over deals created a headache for the police, who worked longer shifts than usual as they dealt with traffic jams, accidents, shoplifting, and other issues. The phrase Black Friday originated in Philadelphia back in the 1960s which was coined due to the chaos that tends to come along with the deals. Now Black Friday is known as a day for scrambling for good holiday gift deals and cheap discounts (and the door deals). 

Black Friday tips, tricks

Bennett Olkiewicz, Marketing Manager • November 25, 2021

The day after Thanksgiving is often referred to as “Black Friday.” Britannica states that the use of the name dates back to the early 1960s when police officers in Philadelphia began using the phrase...

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),...

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