• 1/17 Wrestling Girls Varsity
  • 1/17 Girls Basketball @ Johnston
  • 1/17 Boys Basketball @ Johnston
  • 1/18 Show Choir Performance @ Benton
The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
Amidst a turbulent global landscape, the Iowa Capitol stands as a reminder to focus on the power of local government — where decisions impact daily lives most profoundly.
New faces, new policies: Local representatives and the future of Ankeny
December 20, 2024
Lockdowns have become a part of student's daily lives. Students are accustomed to practicing these drills to prepare for a school shooting, but are people taking these events seriously?
Lockdowns and the desensitization of school shootings
December 19, 2024
A faceoff during the junior varsity game.
Beyond the ice: How a hockey game unites a community
December 6, 2024
Made by Tobias Landmesser using Canva
Beyond the basics: Young voters navigate complex ballot choices
November 25, 2024
Hyper Energy Bar located at 1101 South Ankeny Boulevard opened on Nov. 11. Hyper fundraised for Ankeny Schools upon its opening and donated over $2,000 to the Ankeny Community School District.
Ankeny Hyper opens, already giving back to the community
November 13, 2024
"Marvel Rivals" has just launched its first season on Jan. 10. Promotional art by Netease Games and Marvel
“Marvel Rivals”: Season One Launch Review
January 17, 2025
Cover of ”GNX” by Kendrick Lamar which dropped Nov. 22 with a runtime of 44 minutes. pgLang, Interscope Records
“GNX” review
December 20, 2024
“Kraven the Hunter” is now playing in a theater near you. The film is rated R and runs at two hours and seven minutes. Movie poster from Columbia Pictures.
“Kraven the Hunter”: An entertaining spin on a classic villain
December 16, 2024
"Now Playing..." hosts Nolan and Blake talk about Snoop Dogg's new album and The Alchemist on episode 5. Design made using Canva.
Now Playing…
December 16, 2024
On episode 4 of "Now Playing..." Nolan and Blake talk about their top artists and songs of the year, along with new music from A$AP Rocky and Juice WRLD. Design by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
December 9, 2024
As the world grapples with the fallout of TikTok's ban, its impact on society, politics, and culture marks a pivotal moment in history. From reshaping habits to sparking debates on free speech and national security, this decision leaves a lasting impression on the global stage. Visual made by Tobias Landmesser using Canva
Talon Editorial: TikTok, the current predicament
January 17, 2025
"Marvel Rivals" has just launched its first season on Jan. 10. Promotional art by Netease Games and Marvel
“Marvel Rivals”: Season One Launch Review
January 17, 2025
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
January 10, 2025
Junior Carson Bright protects the ball from a Centennial defender.
Hawk hoops: the start of the Ankeny basketball season in review
January 9, 2025
Lucas Bellis shares his game predictions for the upcoming playoffs featuring picks from the rest of the Sports Amigos. Graphic made through Canva by Grady Andersen
College football playoff semi-final preview
January 9, 2025
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
January 10, 2025
As the world grapples with the fallout of TikTok's ban, its impact on society, politics, and culture marks a pivotal moment in history. From reshaping habits to sparking debates on free speech and national security, this decision leaves a lasting impression on the global stage. Visual made by Tobias Landmesser using Canva
Talon Editorial: TikTok, the current predicament
January 17, 2025
Junior Carson Bright protects the ball from a Centennial defender.
Hawk hoops: the start of the Ankeny basketball season in review
January 9, 2025
Lucas Bellis shares his game predictions for the upcoming playoffs featuring picks from the rest of the Sports Amigos. Graphic made through Canva by Grady Andersen
College football playoff semi-final preview
January 9, 2025
Mykal Johnson and Lucas Bellis record the first episode of The Sports Amigos with Grady Andersen and Nathan Gerth, featuring guest Sahil Noori. The five discuss the 12-team college football playoff.
The Sports Amigos
December 21, 2024
Hawkettes triumph over Valley in a 53-43 win
December 10, 2024
A faceoff during the junior varsity game.
Beyond the ice: How a hockey game unites a community
December 6, 2024
“It was the right thing for me to immediately call my parents and let my emotions show. It's important to let yourself freak out and not feel numb,” senior Sammy Bryan said.
Car accidents and overcoming the emotional trauma
January 10, 2025
Ankeny High School junior Garrett Hemmingsen poses after his halftime performance at the AHS home football game on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. The dance team was at the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association's state competition on Dec. 6 and came home with a Division 1 (highest rank) rating in all three dances, third place in class 3 contemporary, and fifth place class 9 in hip hop. Photo still by Amber Eft
Garrett Hemmingsen: The first male to ever join the AHS dance team
December 9, 2024
A faceoff during the junior varsity game.
Beyond the ice: How a hockey game unites a community
December 6, 2024
Students collaborate during Hawk Time as they tackle the New York Times crossword puzzle together, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition.
Crossword puzzle challenge at Ankeny High School
December 3, 2024
A senior photo from coach Betten’s senior football season.
Football injury turned cheerleading National Champion
November 21, 2024
Mykal Johnson and Lucas Bellis record the first episode of The Sports Amigos with Grady Andersen and Nathan Gerth, featuring guest Sahil Noori. The five discuss the 12-team college football playoff.
The Sports Amigos
December 21, 2024
Lockdowns have become a part of student's daily lives. Students are accustomed to practicing these drills to prepare for a school shooting, but are people taking these events seriously?
Lockdowns and the desensitization of school shootings
December 19, 2024
"Now Playing..." hosts Nolan and Blake talk about Snoop Dogg's new album and The Alchemist on episode 5. Design made using Canva.
Now Playing…
December 16, 2024
Hawkettes triumph over Valley in a 53-43 win
December 10, 2024
Ankeny High School junior Garrett Hemmingsen poses after his halftime performance at the AHS home football game on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. The dance team was at the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association's state competition on Dec. 6 and came home with a Division 1 (highest rank) rating in all three dances, third place in class 3 contemporary, and fifth place class 9 in hip hop. Photo still by Amber Eft
Garrett Hemmingsen: The first male to ever join the AHS dance team
December 9, 2024
Nest News #2- Week of 9/4/23
September 7, 2023
Nest News #1- Week of 9/28/23
September 7, 2023
The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
Ava Gifford

Ava Gifford, Sports and Photo Editor

Ava Gifford is a Senior at Ankeny High School. She is involved in Spanish Honors Society, writing sports stories and taking sports photos for the Talon. Besides journalism, Ava’s favorite classes are Sociology and Intro to Classic Film. Outside of school, you’ll find Ava reading, lifting at the gym, writing music, or rewatching Outer Banks. 

All content by Ava Gifford
Junior Carson Bright protects the ball from a Centennial defender.

Hawk hoops: the start of the Ankeny basketball season in review

Tobias Landmesser and Ava Gifford
January 9, 2025
Senior Landen Rutter goes to high-five the student section before the football season's first game against cross-town rival Centennial.

[Photo] United by the game

Karli Beroth and Rylie Jensen
November 14, 2024
On Friday, November 8th, the Ankeny Hawks faced the Iowa City Liberty Lightning in the second round of the playoffs.

Ankeny takes on Liberty in hard fought playoff battle

Ava Gifford, Sports and Photo Editor
November 10, 2024
Sophomore Alexander Zuber celebrates a touchdown with teammates (left). Junior Gage Lint carries the ball to the end zone for a touchdown (right).

On the rise: Ankeny underclassmen make their mark on Hawk football program

Ava Gifford, Sports and Photo Editor
November 8, 2024
On Friday, November 1st, Ankeny took on the Linn-Mar Lions at home. Junior Daniel Larmie celebrates an Ankeny touchdown.

Ankeny triumphs over Linn-Mar to advance to round two of playoffs

Ava Gifford, Sports and Photo Editor
November 3, 2024
The Thursday, October 24th Ankeny vs Cedar Rapids Washington game was postponed, and the Ankeny Hawks returned to Cedar Rapids the next day for the final regular season matchup. Senior Landen Rutter (58), junior Andrew Brandhorst (13), and junior Emanuwel Ford-Davis (18), ready for action.

Ankeny overpowers Cedar Rapids Washington in final regular season game

Ava Gifford and Levi Foster
October 27, 2024
Junior Hayden Carlson warms up before the game.

Ankeny Hawks upset Valley in overtime battle

Ava Gifford and Levi Foster
October 20, 2024
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