• 5/19 Boys Soccer Vs. Marshalltown - 7:30
  • 5/19 Baseball @ North Polk - 5:00
  • 5/20 Girls Tennis Qualifying @ Pleasant Valley
  • 5/21 Girls Golf State Qualifying
  • 5/21 Boys Tennis Substate Final
  • 5/21 Baseball vs. Pleasant Valley @ 5:00
  • 5/22 State Track Day 1
  • 5/23 State Track Day 2
  • 5/24 State Track Day 3
  • 5/24 Girls Tennis State Round 1
  • 5/24 Baseball tournament @ Cedar Rapids Kennedy
The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
Senate File 175 emphasizes the humanity of the unborn child constructing a focus on prenatal human development and pointing out that development starts after fertilization. The bill utilizes AI to showcase what development may look like in the early stages. The image on the right is what Canva Magic Media AI said an unborn baby looks like at 4 weeks. Graphic created by Lydia Gerety using Canva.
Iowa Legislature passes a bill to showcase students the ‘humanity’ of the unborn
April 29, 2025
Members of the Mental Health Club hosted an event during school. Published with permission from Will Harms.
Breaking the silence
April 2, 2025
Recent legislation state and nationwide has been pushing to eliminate transgender athletes. Created by Grady Andersen using Canva.
Gender identity vs. athletic performance: dissecting the transgender athlete ban
March 26, 2025
Created by Chloe Macke using Canva.
Reading Rights: The impact of recently proposed bills on libraries
March 14, 2025
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird signed onto lawsuit Texas v. Becerra which states that section 504 is unconstitutional. “I wish I could look at it impartially, just as this really fascinating constitutional phenomenon that didn't have any potential behind it to harm other people or even harm myself, but I really can't do that,” University of Iowa professor and licensed attorney Brett Johnson said. Photo by Lydia Gerety
Iowa families concerned for their children’s equal access to education
March 8, 2025
“I would definitely be a completely different person, because I found my voice. You'll see me in the hallways, and I talk to people, and I like to ask people questions. I'm not scared to volunteer for things. And before I was involved in anything music-related, I was dead silent. I just didn't talk to people. I just kind of kept my head down and kept walking.” Lyles said. “And now I'm the person who always is saying, “hey, have a great day,’ things like that. So it's given me the gift to find myself, and help other people find themselves.” Created by Sylvia Bartlett using Canva.
Major impact in a minor key
May 12, 2025
“Thunderbolts*” is now playing in a theater near you. The film runs at two hours and six minutes, and is rated PG-13. Poster courtesy of Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios.
How “Thunderbolts*” brings Marvel back to its promising glory days | REVIEW
May 2, 2025
"Marvel Rivals" launched its second season on Apr.11. Promotional art by Netease Games and Marvel.
“Marvel Rivals”: Season Two Launch review
April 18, 2025
WrestleMania 41 takes place on April 19th to April 20th across a 2-night extravaganza. WrestleMania is compared to the scale of the SuperBowl for wrestling fans. Made by Ryan Cox using Canva
WrestleMania: A Cultural Powerbomb
April 18, 2025
“A Minecraft Movie” is now playing in a theater near you. The film is rated PG and runs at an hour and 41 minutes. Poster from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Entertainment.
Why “A Minecraft Movie” blocked itself from success | REVIEW
April 4, 2025
“Thunderbolts*” is now playing in a theater near you. The film runs at two hours and six minutes, and is rated PG-13. Poster courtesy of Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios.
How “Thunderbolts*” brings Marvel back to its promising glory days | REVIEW
May 2, 2025
“A Minecraft Movie” is now playing in a theater near you. The film is rated PG and runs at an hour and 41 minutes. Poster from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Entertainment.
Why “A Minecraft Movie” blocked itself from success | REVIEW
April 4, 2025
Poster for “Mickey 17” courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. The R-rated film is now playing in a theater near you, and runs at two hours and 17 minutes.
“Mickey 17”: Sci-fi meets political drama
March 7, 2025
The Monkey is now playing in a theater near you. The film runs at one hour and 38 minutes and is rated R. Movie poster from Neon Cinema.
How “The Monkey” blended horror and comedy in a fun way
February 21, 2025
Poster for Captain America: Brave New World. The film runs at one hour and 59 minutes, and is rated PG-13. Now playing in a theater near you. Poster courtesy of Marvel Studios.
Why “Captain America: Brave New World” proved it can be brave without being new | REVIEW
February 14, 2025
Cover of “MUSIC” by Playboi Carti which dropped on March 14th, 2025 with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes distributed by AWGE and Interscope Records.
Playboi Carti’s “MUSIC” Album Review
April 4, 2025
Made by Olivia Luna using Canva
Increasing elitism within concerts
April 4, 2025
Created by Brogan Smith using Canva, The graphic displays a representation of music and audio being continuously recycled, a technique that has been famously used throughout music history.
The recycling of music
March 6, 2025
On February 9th, Kendrick Lamar took the center stage during the halftime show of the Super Bowl, and made a statement to the 133.5 million people that watched. Created by Ryan Cox using Canva. Created by Ryan Cox using Canva.
SZA, Serena, Samuel, Kendrick: A breakdown of this year’s legendary Super Bowl halftime performance
February 20, 2025
Cover of “Hurry Up Tomorrow” by The Weeknd dropped on Jan. 31 with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. Label XO Records, Republic Records
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” review
February 7, 2025
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
May 9, 2025
“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
May 5, 2025
“Thunderbolts*” is now playing in a theater near you. The film runs at two hours and six minutes, and is rated PG-13. Poster courtesy of Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios.
How “Thunderbolts*” brings Marvel back to its promising glory days | REVIEW
May 2, 2025
Netflix, Hulu, Max, and Prime Video logos surrounding a classic film camera. Made by Ryan Cox through Canva
The Impact of Streaming Platforms on Traditional Cinema
April 29, 2025
"Marvel Rivals" launched its second season on Apr.11. Promotional art by Netease Games and Marvel.
“Marvel Rivals”: Season Two Launch review
April 18, 2025
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
May 9, 2025
“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
May 5, 2025
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
February 18, 2025
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
February 6, 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
Codee Myers talks to senior Grace Buch during a break in play. Myers has coached for the girls’ basketball program since the 2021-22 season.
Codee Myers: helping students get their head in the game
May 12, 2025
Senior Captain Dylan Gloviak directs traffic and defensive responsibilities during the second half of Friday’s (5/2) game.
No. 7 Hawks take commanding 4-1 win over Southeast Polk to celebrate senior night.
May 3, 2025
Ankeny freshman Morgan Fisher comes out of the blocks in the 100 meter dash during an April 3 meet at Northview Middle School. Fisher will compete in the 400 meter dash, 4x100 meter relay, and 4x400 meter relay for the Hawkettes at the Drake Relays.
‘If you won Drake or just did really good at Drake, it just kind of meant more’
April 24, 2025
WrestleMania 41 takes place on April 19th to April 20th across a 2-night extravaganza. WrestleMania is compared to the scale of the SuperBowl for wrestling fans. Made by Ryan Cox using Canva
WrestleMania: A Cultural Powerbomb
April 18, 2025
Sophomore Quinn Roush leaps over a hurdle during the third leg of the shuttle hurdle relay. The Ankeny varsity squad took seventh with a time of 1:13.65.
Ankeny girls take fifth place at the Hawkette Invitational in a tight race
April 4, 2025
Our planet needs help, and only you can make a difference to change it. Graphic by Danny Nguyen made using Canva.
The cry of our planet
May 16, 2025
Codee Myers talks to senior Grace Buch during a break in play. Myers has coached for the girls’ basketball program since the 2021-22 season.
Codee Myers: helping students get their head in the game
May 12, 2025
“I would definitely be a completely different person, because I found my voice. You'll see me in the hallways, and I talk to people, and I like to ask people questions. I'm not scared to volunteer for things. And before I was involved in anything music-related, I was dead silent. I just didn't talk to people. I just kind of kept my head down and kept walking.” Lyles said. “And now I'm the person who always is saying, “hey, have a great day,’ things like that. So it's given me the gift to find myself, and help other people find themselves.” Created by Sylvia Bartlett using Canva.
Major impact in a minor key
May 12, 2025
“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
May 5, 2025
Foreign exchange student Natali Bairamidi (far right) stands with her host family on a trip to Dyersville, Iowa. Photo published with permission from Natali Bairamidi.
‘Being here makes me feel like I am heard, seen, and understood.’
April 14, 2025
Codee Myers talks to senior Grace Buch during a break in play. Myers has coached for the girls’ basketball program since the 2021-22 season.
Codee Myers: helping students get their head in the game
May 12, 2025
Foreign exchange student Natali Bairamidi (far right) stands with her host family on a trip to Dyersville, Iowa. Photo published with permission from Natali Bairamidi.
‘Being here makes me feel like I am heard, seen, and understood.’
April 14, 2025
Leister smiling for the camera. Photo published with permission from Mary Kate Leister.
Merry Mary: New to the nest
April 9, 2025
Graphic created by Olivia Luna using Canva.
Chamberland mines for curiosity
April 8, 2025
Bing talking about the plan for the day with her students in one of her AP Biology courses. “If I wasn't passionate about working with students, I don't think [I’d stay in teaching], but no, it's absolutely the students that I have that [make it worth it,” Bing stated. Photo taken by Sylvia Bartlett.
A career in science: and supporting the next generation
April 1, 2025
On episode 9 of "Now Playing..." Blake and Nolan discuss the long-awaited album from Playboi Carti, titled "MUSIC". Design made by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
April 15, 2025
Hosts Nolan and Blake bring on guest Brogan Smith to talk about his experience with the Chromakopia Tour on this episode of "Now Playing...". Design made by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
April 11, 2025
The Hawkettes shake hands after a 50-27 loss to the No. 2 Dowling Catholic Maroons.
Hawkettes wrap up regular season with loss to Maroons
February 12, 2025
Ellie Bovee poses with her horse M&M for her senior photos. Photo by Tori Versteegh, published with permission by Ellie Bovee
Ellie Bovee: A force to be reckoned with
February 11, 2025
The Hawks took on tough matchups against top-ranked Waukee Northwest Wolves this past Monday, Feb. 3.
Hawks take on the Wolves in an energetic doubleheader
February 4, 2025
On episode 9 of "Now Playing..." Blake and Nolan discuss the long-awaited album from Playboi Carti, titled "MUSIC". Design made by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
April 15, 2025
Hosts Nolan and Blake bring on guest Brogan Smith to talk about his experience with the Chromakopia Tour on this episode of "Now Playing...". Design made by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
April 11, 2025
Hosts Nolan McNulty and Blake Eichmeier bring on guest speaker Ryan Cox to talk about The Weeknd's final album, "Hurry Up Tomorrow" on episode 7. Design by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
February 4, 2025
"Now Playing..." returns after a hiatus, talking about Travis Scott, Djo, and Hinterland on episode 6. Design made by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
January 28, 2025
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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