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The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon

The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon

The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon

2025-2026 Editor-in-Chief Lydia Gerety sits with 2026-2027 Editor-in-Chief Ashley Howard at a fundraiser for The Talon, Ankeny High School’s student newspaper. Photo by River Phillips.

Empowering others through leadership

Lydia Gerety, Editor in Chief May 27, 2026

I sat on the edge of my seat, eyes stuck on the black and yellow slideshow that was showcasing the award winners. I had low expectations for awards; it’s always easier for me to see where we can improve...

Lockhart, E. (2025). We fell apart [Book cover]. Delacorte Press. Image used under fair use for purposes of commentary and review. The newest book in the “We were liars” collection was released Nov. 4.

“We fell apart” by e. lockhart

Adilyn Hoop, Staff Reporter November 14, 2025

The “We were liars” television series met completion this summer and the prequel book was well received, enriching e. lockhart’s world. “We fell apart” is considered a standalone in the same...

Released July 22 this year, “Not Quite Dead Yet” is a murder mystery where the victim doesn’t die right away, and in her time left, she is solving her own murder. Jackson H. (2025) Not Quite Dead Yet. Common Sense Media.

“Not Quite Dead Yet” by Holly Jackson

Adilyn Hoop, Staff Reporter October 16, 2025

If a doctor told you that you were going to be dead in a week, what would you do? Author Holly Jackson explores this question about life in her newest novel “Not Quite Dead Yet.” Having always wanted...

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

Gabriel Brannon, Staff Reporter September 15, 2025

Everybody is motivated by something, and everybody has something they want. To get what they want, people set goals. Some people aim to start their own business, others want to climb Mount Everest,...

Barrio Barrito Bar located 1510 N Ankeny Blvd, Suite 102, Ankeny, IA 50023 Photo By Caden McGlin

Barrio Burrito Bar

Caden McGlin, Staff Reporter May 28, 2025

Opening just around four weeks ago, and around the corner from Northview Middle School, Barrio Burrito Bar is the latest Tex-Mex buffet in Ankeny. After hearing about it recently from friends and other...

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

The Talon Staff May 9, 2025

Sigma Brown (by Gabe Brannon) Fine arts teacher Adam Brown Although I didn’t meet Mr. Brown until this year, the impact he has had on me has been insurmountable. I never considered joining...

“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

Sylvia Bartlett, Staff Reporter May 5, 2025

In 1907, the term “senioritis” was first coined by the Chicago Alumni Magazine to describe the lack of motivation found in many seniors graduating from high school at the end of the school year. Since...

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

Grady Andersen, Staff Reporter February 18, 2025

Region 1: Johnson over DM Roosevelt The reign of Johnston continues—another one-seed, undefeated regular season and another breakout star in Sophomore Ari Phillips. She joins Jenica Lewis and Amani...

IGHSAU and IHSAA announce the shift of girls’ tennis and boys’ golf to the fall season starting in 2025, sparking debate over the impact on student-athletes and school sports programs.
Created by Olivia Luna using Canva

Spring sports to move to fall season ’25-’26

Olivia Luna, Design Editor February 6, 2025

IGHSAU (Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union) and IHSAA (Iowa High School Athletic Association) have put out a press report stating their decision to move girls’ tennis and boys’ golf to the fall...

Art in modern society is slowly losing its creative merit,  as well as its purpose. Created by Gabriel Brannon using Canva

The looming death of art in modern society

Gabriel Brannon, Staff Reporter January 10, 2025

Bennet Foddy “When everything around us is cultural trash, trash becomes the new medium,” video game developer Bennet Foddy once said. This is one of the many quotes Foddy has in his popular video...

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