• 2/17 Girls Bowling State Qualifier
  • 2/17 FCA Huddle
  • 2/18 Boys Bowling State Qualifier
  • 2/18 Boys Basketball @ Urbandale
  • 2/19 Boys State Wrestling @ Wells Fargo Arena
  • 2/20 Boys Basketball @ Waukee Northwest
  • 2/21 Perry Solo Contest
  • 2/21 All State Speech
  • 2/21 Girls Basketball Vs. Sioux City East
  • 2/22 Winter Choral Concert
The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
According to Ankeny Community School District, there are six main pathways students can follow: health sciences, human services, information solutions, applied sciences, business, and agriculture. A variety of classes will be offered under each pathway, including medical and bioscience classes, public safety, computer programming, journalism, robotics, accounting, and animal and crop science courses. Created by Sylvia Bartlett using Canva.
A step toward the future: Ankeny Community School District’s Innovative Hub
February 13, 2025
Protesters gather at the Iowa Capitol on Jan. 25, 2025, to voice their opposition to ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and mass deportations, joining a nationwide call for immigration reform and the protection of immigrant rights.
Trump administration brings ICE to Des Moines as mass deportations start, rallies in protest follow
February 7, 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
Created by Lydia Gerety using Canva. Burnout is the idea that people are losing the motivation to do the work that they once enjoyed or are exhausted and fatigued by all that is on their plate. One cause of this could be that, "we have all of these different life things that we're doing all at the same time and again, we don't take the time to take care of ourselves," Ankeny High School social worker Mary Kate Leister said.
Burnout: the increasing consequence of grind culture
February 3, 2025
College success coach and owner of The Student Empowered, Mya Andersen, often uses pegboards to help keep track of events and keep everything in front of her.
College prep 101: How students can succeed with the right support
January 30, 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 “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
The Ankeny speech teams have been working hard in the last few months on their performances, strengthening their skills to hopefully advance in competition and public speaking abilities. The Ankeny Speech team had five groups advance to the State Large Group contest this past weekend by excelling at the District contest held at Des Moines East High School. The State Large Group contest will be held at Waukee High School on Saturday, Feb. 8. The All-State Large Group festival will be held at Iowa State University on Saturday, Feb. 22.
The future of Ankeny’s competitive performing artists
February 7, 2025
"Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" season two was released on Jan. 28. Promotional art by Activision and Treyarch Studios
“Call of Duty”: “Black Ops 6” season two review
February 4, 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
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 “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
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 “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
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
"Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" season two was released on Jan. 28. Promotional art by Activision and Treyarch Studios
“Call of Duty”: “Black Ops 6” season two review
February 4, 2025
Located at 1810 SW White Birch Cr Suite, Naughtea is a nice change of pace from the usual restaurants in Ankeny.
Naughtea: A pleasant surprise
January 27, 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
Ankeny High School senior Andrew Haase walks off of the mat after a win at the Ankeny versus Centennial dual meet on Dec. 12, 2024. Photo published with permission by Andrew Haase, Photo by Dylan Shoemaker, The Fittest Photographer
Andrew Haase, the brotherhood of Ankeny wrestling
February 15, 2025
The Ankeny Hawkettes huddle prior to their Feb. 11 matchup with the Dowling Catholic Maroons.
Hawkettes set to face Sioux City East as road to state begins
February 12, 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
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
The Hawkettes took on #2 Dowling Catholic away on Jan. 31.
Hawkettes face No. 2 Maroons for the first time in two weeks
February 3, 2025
Ankeny High School senior Andrew Haase walks off of the mat after a win at the Ankeny versus Centennial dual meet on Dec. 12, 2024. Photo published with permission by Andrew Haase, Photo by Dylan Shoemaker, The Fittest Photographer
Andrew Haase, the brotherhood of Ankeny wrestling
February 15, 2025
Teenagers are increasingly turning to caffeinated beverages to power through their busy days and late nights. Image made by Olivia Luna using Canva.
Hooked on Caffeine: Understanding Dependency & How to Cut Back
February 13, 2025
Ankeny High School senior Tyson Rauser holds three of his catches on Little River in Iowa. Photo permission by Tyson Rauser
A real catch
February 12, 2025
Copan students and their Ankeny hosts after landing in Iowa. Photo published with permission by @CopanOffical on X Ankeny High hosted 3 students this past Janurary while Ankeny Centennial hosted 15.
Bonds beyond borders
February 11, 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
Ankeny High School senior Andrew Haase walks off of the mat after a win at the Ankeny versus Centennial dual meet on Dec. 12, 2024. Photo published with permission by Andrew Haase, Photo by Dylan Shoemaker, The Fittest Photographer
Andrew Haase, the brotherhood of Ankeny wrestling
February 15, 2025
Ankeny High School senior Tyson Rauser holds three of his catches on Little River in Iowa. Photo permission by Tyson Rauser
A real catch
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 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
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
The Hawkettes took on #2 Dowling Catholic away on Jan. 31.
Hawkettes face No. 2 Maroons for the first time in two weeks
February 3, 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
Grace Risk

Grace Risk, Staff Reporter

Grace Risk is a senior at Ankeny High School. She enjoyed being on the marketing team for The Talon in her sophomore year. Grace is also involved in Circle of Friends and hopes more people will join in the following years. She plans to study Social Work and Spanish at Colorado State University. One fun fact about Grace is that her favorite pastime is sitting in her backyard with her two dogs.

All content by Grace Risk
Reporting by Grace Risk and Slideshow Slideshow made by Joanna Guerrero using Canva

In loving memory of Evie McLeish

Grace Risk and Joanna Guerrero
May 21, 2024

The Gray Room Podcast

Charlie Christensen, Rose McGill, Ava Sarenpa, and Grace Risk
May 9, 2024
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
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