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The Talon
Posing for an enthusiastic, fun picture at the press release on May 13, all of the students who contributed to the design on the traffic box (left) get recognition for their hard work. “Oh, my gosh. This group, and I've told them, and I bragged about them, is such a special group. I have never seen kids at this level, seventh grade, have as much maturity, discipline, and poise. I mean, they all work together so well, and they did incredible work,” Parkview Middle School Art teacher Debra Flynn said. Photo by Adilyn Hoop.
7th-grade students from Parkview Middle School collaborated with the city to decorate a traffic box
May 16, 2026
Lined up but standing out against its fellow nominees, “What the River Knows” by Isabel Ibañez is the winner of the 2025-2026 Iowa High School Book Awards. The book's runner-ups include “Bittersweet in the Hollow,” "Divine Rivals,” and “The Reappearance of Rachel Price” in a three way tie. Photo and graphic by Adilyn Hoop.
“What the River Knows” is IHSBA’s 2025-2026 winner
May 5, 2026
Prices rising, tariffs increase, and inflation skyrockets, showing effects in our economy. According to Cooper Worth from the Des Moines Register, Intervention with Iran has created slower economic rates and financial instability among our community. These conflicts have created roadblocks for many necessary resources, specifically gasoline and its affordability, along with its reliance. Photo captured by Mili Lopez
Skyrocketing gas prices, rising tensions
May 1, 2026
Members of NHS reveal the final total for money raised for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital at the end of the Dance Marathon with big, glittery letters. Photo by Ashley Howard.
The Dance Marathon fundraiser at Ankeny High School raised $10,249
April 29, 2026
Since 1977, Iowa students have been required, by law, to provide proof of vaccination records. In 2026, Iowa House File 2171 was proposed to end these requirements. Drawing by Lily Black using Sketchbook.
Iowa House moves forward with a bill ending school vaccine requirements
April 16, 2026
Photo by Adilyn Hoop. Edits and Graphic by Olivia Luna on Canva.
The movie adaptation of “Remarkably Bright Creatures” dishonors Shelby Van Pelt’s original story
May 29, 2026
Sophomore Lily Bell posing as a player in the senior assassin game. Seniors participating in the game eliminate others by squirting them with a water gun, and can wear goggles for immunity against others. “People did have to go out and buy [water] guns, but most people have the googles at home, but you don’t even have to use a gun, you can use water of any sort,” senior Gwyn Christensen said.
More than just a water gun fight: an outlook over Ankeny High School’s senior assassin
May 19, 2026
The Sheep Detectives trotted into theaters on May 8th. Photo courtesy of Sony UK.
Sheep Detectives: An Underlooked yet Baa-rilliant Film
May 19, 2026
The shadows against a captivating blue are a nod to the “Catch Me If You Can” musical poster, both for this performance and the blue from the Broadway show. The detectives in this scene are at shooting practice, in preparation for when they finally encounter Frank Abagnale Jr. “We always say our motto is ‘theater is a team sport,’ and really just emphasizing to our students that everyone is welcome in the drama department. There's always a role for you, whether or not, on stage or behind the scenes, in the costume shop, in the scene shop. [There are] all sorts of different things that go into bringing a show to life. So we love our drama hawks and welcome everyone to drama,” Drama Director Mollie Jo Blahunka said.
Technical advancements, growth, and the future of the drama department
April 15, 2026
Senior Jack Ponto (Frank Abagnale Jr.) stands in the abyss as the spotlight beams down on him.
Ankeny High School’s spring musical, “Catch Me If You Can”
April 15, 2026
Photo by Adilyn Hoop. Edits and Graphic by Olivia Luna on Canva.
The movie adaptation of “Remarkably Bright Creatures” dishonors Shelby Van Pelt’s original story
May 29, 2026
The Sheep Detectives trotted into theaters on May 8th. Photo courtesy of Sony UK.
Sheep Detectives: An Underlooked yet Baa-rilliant Film
May 19, 2026
Henry, Emily (2021). People we meet on vacation [Book cover]. Berkley Books. Image used under fair use for purposes of commentary and review. Haley, Brett (2026). People we meet on vacation [Movie poster]. Movie poster courtesy of 3000 Pictures and Temple Hill Entertainment. Made by Adilyn Hoop using Canva.
Emily Henry’s romance novel is just as good, if not better, as a movie
January 14, 2026
Zootopia 2 combines never-ending humor and excitement with a brand new slate of characters and deep theming. Poster courtesy of Disney.
Zootopia 2 wows audiences with humor, plot, and deep themes
December 11, 2025
The second movie adaptation embodies everything the book and musical stand for, while also adding its own twists and music to keep the story fresh. "Wicked" book cover published by ReganBooks, 1995. "Wicked: Part One" film poster courtesy of Universal pictures. Images used under fair use for purposes of commentary and review. Graphic made by Adilyn Hoop using Canva.
The Wickedest “Wicked”
November 21, 2025
When expectations are at an all-time low, Bully feels like both relief and disappointment. The album shows glimpses of the old Kanye, but it never seems to actually capture the creativity that he used to have. “Bully” album cover by Kanye West, label YZY and Gamma.
Kanye remembers what worked, but not why
April 10, 2026
Album cover for A$AP Rocky’s “DON’T BE DUMB,” released Jan 16, 2026. Cover art done by Tim Burton, A$AP Rocky Recordings LLC
Don’t Be Dumb Review
February 14, 2026
Album cover for With Heaven on Top (Belting Bronco/Warner Records, 2026). From Warner Records.
“With Heaven on Top” Review
January 14, 2026
Album cover for ‘Lonely at the Top’. Released August 29th, 2025. (Columbia Records, Pro Era, Cinematic Music Group)
Lonely at the Top of a hill, not rap
September 12, 2025
Join hosts Nolan and Blake for one last episode as they discuss recent drops, concerts, and news in the Hip-Hop space. Design made by Nolan McNulty using Canva. 
Now Playing…
May 20, 2025
Photo by Adilyn Hoop. Edits and Graphic by Olivia Luna on Canva.
The movie adaptation of “Remarkably Bright Creatures” dishonors Shelby Van Pelt’s original story
May 29, 2026
The NCAA is the breeding ground for professional softball. Photo by Lily Black.
Professional softball golden tickets need restructuring
May 28, 2026
DraftKings Sports & Casino is the #1 sports betting app, and according to Siena, roughly 27% of Americans have an active online sports betting account. Photo by Brogan Smith.
Sports gambling… or addiction?
May 28, 2026
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
May 27, 2026
The Sheep Detectives trotted into theaters on May 8th. Photo courtesy of Sony UK.
Sheep Detectives: An Underlooked yet Baa-rilliant Film
May 19, 2026
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
May 27, 2026
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
November 14, 2025
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
October 16, 2025
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
September 15, 2025
Barrio Barrito Bar located 1510 N Ankeny Blvd, Suite 102, Ankeny, IA 50023 Photo By Caden McGlin
Barrio Burrito Bar
May 28, 2025
While the world spins on, your perspective is the one thing that can’t be replaced. In honor of JEA’s Scholastic Journalism Week, "The Talon" is calling on all Ankeny High students to use their voices, share their stories, and help us build a culture of understanding. Design by Olivia Luna using Canva
The Impact of student voice
February 4, 2026
Second edition of The Talon editorial, design made using Canva by River Phillips.
Talon Editorial: Critique of Modern Media
May 23, 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
The NCAA is the breeding ground for professional softball. Photo by Lily Black.
Professional softball golden tickets need restructuring
May 28, 2026
DraftKings Sports & Casino is the #1 sports betting app, and according to Siena, roughly 27% of Americans have an active online sports betting account. Photo by Brogan Smith.
Sports gambling… or addiction?
May 28, 2026
Carlson prepares before the start of the 4x200 relay at the Fred Smith Hawk Relays on 4/14. Photo by Suri Sithep.
Home grown Hawkeye
May 20, 2026
Fans, watch the state tournament while wearing pink to support the Hawkettes. The girls' basketball team hasn’t been to the state tournament since before Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial split into two schools 13 years ago. Photo by Isaiah Pine.
Sports have impacts that may last a lifetime and build community
May 19, 2026
Graphic by Suri Sithep using Canva.
Separating self-worth from athletic performance
May 15, 2026
Maddy Sheppard (left), Claudia Galligan (middle) , and Jordan Goemann (right) work on a RAP video for Ankeny High School.
Passing the camera: Three seniors step up to save Ankeny High School’s video class
June 2, 2026
DraftKings Sports & Casino is the #1 sports betting app, and according to Siena, roughly 27% of Americans have an active online sports betting account. Photo by Brogan Smith.
Sports gambling… or addiction?
May 28, 2026
A Group of PEOPEL PE students and helpers set up an obstacle course during class. The “Amazing Race” unit had started in PEOPEL PE where the students and helpers got to compete in a variety of different activities and games. “We try our best to make [inclusion] a school-wide event, but it's just so much more different when you actually engage with the students hands-on and actually get to know them as people.” Sophomore Bree Christensen said. Photo Taken by Ada McNulty.
Building a belonging: inclusion at Ankeny High School
May 27, 2026
The middle of the emblem is a torch, which represents the flame of NHS. At the induction ceremony, students light a candle and take a vow to show that they are joining the flame.
National Honor Society: the induction ceremony and what the future holds
May 27, 2026
Senior Zoe Hutchinson is planning to attend Iowa State University in the fall. “I think their design program is really cool… they’re also good for computer science and software engineering,” Hutchinson said. Photo published with permission from Zoe Hutchinson.
Where to now? College decisions at Ankeny High School
May 26, 2026
Mrs. CG teaches “Imaginary numbers” for her 8th-period Algebra 2 class. CG enjoys her job and working with students. “I’ll look out on my classes and just think, I GET to do this,” CG said.
‘Not every teacher feels called to teach, but I do’
May 20, 2026
Carlson prepares before the start of the 4x200 relay at the Fred Smith Hawk Relays on 4/14. Photo by Suri Sithep.
Home grown Hawkeye
May 20, 2026
Design made by Bryant Warren using Adobe Photoshop
Goldfinches to Gold Medals: An Iowan’s Sled Hockey Legacy
May 8, 2026
Molly Buck teaching in her classroom at Rock Creek Elementary School. Photo by Jackson Betsworth.
Molly Buck: Giving a voice to education
February 24, 2026
Senior Jayla Williams on the fast break right after a steal. Williams then made a layup to make it 57-39 at home loss final score 63-39 against Waukee Northwest High School on January 9th, 2026. Photo by Isaiah Pine.
From buckets to steals: Jayla Williams’ journey in basketball as a senior in high school
January 28, 2026
Design made by Bryant Warren using Adobe Photoshop
Goldfinches to Gold Medals: An Iowan’s Sled Hockey Legacy
May 8, 2026
Senior Jack Ponto (Frank Abagnale Jr.) stands in the abyss as the spotlight beams down on him.
Ankeny High School’s spring musical, “Catch Me If You Can”
April 15, 2026
Ankeny Hawkettes stand by the center court at the girls' state tournament in their first round matchup against Cedar Rapids Washington. Ankeny took on Cedar Rapids Washington on March 2nd at 11:45 AM at the Casey’s Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Girls win their first round matchup to set up a big battle against Johnston
March 4, 2026
Shirts and stickers with the logo were made to hand out to performers for being brave enough to put themselves out there. A shirt was given to first timers while returners received stickers for sharing their art. The Open Mic Night or OMN logo was designed by Tom Honz, teacher Librarian at Ankeny Centennial high school.
Open Mic Night: a stage for expression
March 3, 2026
The Ankeny Hawkette team is finally going to state for the first time after a thirteen-year drought, which was the year Ankeny was one school, right before the split into two schools.
Girls’ Basketball is going to State following their win against Sioux City East
February 27, 2026
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
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