The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
These are the classes that will not be offered next year to Ankeny High students. Associate Principal Wade Grinhaug works with teachers and heads of departments to design class schedules and will inform them if classes are at risk of not running. He says building a schedule is very complex. There are around 1,400 students at AHS and the scheduling requests average around 6.5 per semester. Grinhaug estimates that there are over 30,000 requests total. To help Grinhaug sort through all of this information he uses Scheduling Wizard on Infinite Campus to build the schedules. It is a computer algorithm that analyzes all of the requests and recommends the times to offer each class to reduce conflicts. Infographic made by Lilyan McCracken using Google Drawings
Class changes coming to AHS
March 7, 2024
The student financial aid process can be an intimidating experience for students and parents alike. Knowing where to start and having steps and/or a plan for tackling the process can make it much easier. Infographic made by Josie Babcock using Canva
FAFSA frenzy
March 7, 2024
On Tuesday, Jan. 30, Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) mentors led sophomore Hawk Times through an introductory presentation. Participants created collectively a list of norms they will revisit each month with a new MVP lesson.
Mentors in Violence Prevention launches at Ankeny High
February 29, 2024
AHS junior Ryan Tomlinson scrolls through Instagram. Since the 1990s, mental health disorders have risen as a leading cause of health loss, reports National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). In the United States and globally, more people than ever before are suffering from mental and emotional disorders, and are dying to suicide. The cause of these trends has been linked to many different factors, including the lack of access to mental health aid, increased substance abuse, and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, according to numerous studies conducted across the globe, the use of social media has been a major leading cause of societys decline in mental health, reports the Center for Disease Control.
The social dilemma
February 28, 2024
House File 2082 will remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act and list gender dysphoria as a disability. A hearing will be held at noon today, Jan. 31, at the Iowa Capitol about the bill.
A proposed bill will remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act
January 31, 2024
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is currently playing in theatres. The movie is PG-13 and runs an hour and 55 minutes. Movie poster from Warner Bros. Pictures
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” Review
April 7, 2024
Talon reporter Levi Foster discusses the top National Football League (NFL) prospects of the 2024 NFL draft. Graphic made by Levi Foster using Canva
Top NFL Prospects
April 4, 2024
On this episode of The Gray Room, Griffin and I talk about student suggestions.
The Gray Room Podcast
April 1, 2024
Griffin and I talk about a new album that was just released called The Slow Rush.
The Gray Room Podcast
March 29, 2024
A Taylor Swift-themed poster with logos to represent Swifts and Travis Kelce’s collective passions. Made by Ava Tomlinson using Canva
Touchdowns and love songs
March 29, 2024
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is currently playing in theatres. The movie is PG-13 and runs an hour and 55 minutes. Movie poster from Warner Bros. Pictures
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” Review
April 7, 2024
Talon reporter Levi Foster discusses the top National Football League (NFL) prospects of the 2024 NFL draft. Graphic made by Levi Foster using Canva
Top NFL Prospects
April 4, 2024
On this episode of The Gray Room, Griffin and I talk about student suggestions.
The Gray Room Podcast
April 1, 2024
Griffin and I talk about a new album that was just released called The Slow Rush.
The Gray Room Podcast
March 29, 2024
A Taylor Swift-themed poster with logos to represent Swifts and Travis Kelce’s collective passions. Made by Ava Tomlinson using Canva
Touchdowns and love songs
March 29, 2024
Talon reporter Levi Foster discusses the top National Football League (NFL) prospects of the 2024 NFL draft. Graphic made by Levi Foster using Canva
Top NFL Prospects
April 4, 2024
A Taylor Swift-themed poster with logos to represent Swifts and Travis Kelce’s collective passions. Made by Ava Tomlinson using Canva
Touchdowns and love songs
March 29, 2024
On March 7th, the Ankeny Hawks took on Cedar Rapids Kennedy in the semifinal round of the State Tournament. Cedar Rapids came out on top with a score of 51-63.
Hawks close out an impressive season in Semifinal matchup against Cedar Rapids Kennedy
March 10, 2024
On Tuesday, Mar. 6, the Ankeny Hawks took on Dubuque Senior at Wells Fargo Arena. Senior Lio Aguirre (21), senior Cade Pederson (33), and sophomore Rio Aguirre (35) prepare for the tipoff.
Ankeny defeats Dubuque Senior in quarterfinal showdown
March 7, 2024
The Hawks advance to State with a 64-41 victory over Centennial.
Hawks beat Centennial to advance to State
February 28, 2024
A Taylor Swift-themed poster with logos to represent Swifts and Travis Kelce’s collective passions. Made by Ava Tomlinson using Canva
Touchdowns and love songs
March 29, 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.
March 6, 2024
Karin Cowger spending time with former exchange student, Elora, while on vacation in Berlin, Germany.
Embracing roots: Exploring the German heritage of an English teacher
February 8, 2024
TCA Titans runner Mathew Edwards (left) and Ankeny Hawks runner Ethan Zuber (right) leading the Boys Gold race at the 2023 Rim Rock Invitational meet. Zuber took first place.
State champion and Gatorade Player of the Year
February 2, 2024
AHS junior Evan Huegel is a highly involved student at Ankeny High School who is admired by students and teachers alike for his numerous talents and fun-loving personality. He captivates the crowd with his rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” for the Ankeny Marching Hawks production of “Catch Me If You Can.”
‘The Real Deal’
February 1, 2024
On this episode of The Gray Room, Griffin and I talk about student suggestions.
The Gray Room Podcast
April 1, 2024
Griffin and I talk about a new album that was just released called The Slow Rush.
The Gray Room Podcast
March 29, 2024
On this episode of The Gray Room, Griffin and I talk about student suggestions.
The Gray Room Podcast
March 18, 2024
On Tuesday, Mar. 6, the Ankeny Hawks took on Dubuque Senior at Wells Fargo Arena. Senior Lio Aguirre (21), senior Cade Pederson (33), and sophomore Rio Aguirre (35) prepare for the tipoff.
Ankeny defeats Dubuque Senior in quarterfinal showdown
March 7, 2024
On this episode of The Gray Room, Griffin and I talk about student suggestions.
The Gray Room Podcast
March 4, 2024
This months theme was to include a rose(s) in your work. Art by Jason Dennis
February Literary Magazine
February 26, 2024
Graphic made by Lydia Gerety using Canva
January Literary Magazine
January 22, 2024
Art by Jason Dennis
December Literary Magazine
December 19, 2023
Art by Owain Hernandez
November Literary Magazine
November 21, 2023
This is the debut of The Talons literary magazine. With a new theme each month, our October theme is: horror. Get ready for some eerie poetry and some haunting tales that will send shivers down your spine. These words will invade your nightmares, and just in time for the spooky Halloween season. Art by Eos Gustafson
October Literary Magazine
October 13, 2023
Upcoming Events
  • 4/9 Boys Tennis @ Johnston High School
  • 4/9 Girls Golf @ Willow Creek
  • 4/11 Girls Golf @ Otter Creek
  • 4/12 Girls Soccer @ Prairie High School
  • 4/15 FCA Huddle
  • 4/20 Prom

The Talon

The Talon
Jemma Bullock

Jemma Bullock, Staff Reporter; Movie Reviewer

(she/hers/they/them) Jemma Bullock is a junior at Ankeny High. Her birthday is Feb 13, 2005. They are a Social Media Manager and a Talon staff reporter. Jemma is also involved in the Student Political Engagement Club (SPEC), Marching Band, Jazz Band, Winter Drumline, Show Choir, All-State Choir, Mock Trial, Iowa Youth Congress, and the Student Ambassador Program. Outside of school, they like to read, play basketball, craft, and write.

All content by Jemma Bullock
AHSs mixed varsity show choir Visual Adrenaline performs Heal Their Their hearts/Freedom at the Southeast Polk Ramification Showcase on Feb. 26. This performance won them third place overall.

[Photo] Show Choir: the pretty, the gritty, and the challenges

Scott Kruse, Business Editor
March 25, 2022
A rainy street in Mons Belgium just begging to be enjoyed by tourists on a stroll. Europe is such an breathtaking continent. The different cultures and countries all in one place is truly amazing. All European countries are different, yet somewhat similar. So if you are traveling across Europe and going through different countries: It is important to keep in mind that while you’re still on the same continent, you are not in the same country.  What I mean by this is that all of these countries, or at least most of them, speak different languages. They have other differences, but this is one of the most important to remember. So, if you were to start your trip in France, and travel to Germany and then maybe to Italy, you have to be prepared for the switch in language.

Tips, tricks, tidbits: Surviving travel in a different country

Jemma Bullock, Staff Reporter; Movie Reviewer
March 10, 2022
Spider-man No Way Home has not only been one of the most hyped up movies of 2021, but one of the most hyped up movies ever. People from across the globe have had Dec. 17 circled on their calendar since the summer of 2017 when the movie was originally announced by Marvel. Senior Bradley Dacus and self proclaimed movie critic at Ankeny High School stated, “This is what it all has led up to, Spider-Mans biggest movie. I’ve been waiting for about a year for this movie and I can’t wait to see what happens.”

“Spider-man: No Way Home” movie review

Jemma Bullock and Connor Boger
December 23, 2021

Holiday Polls!

Jemma Bullock, Staff Reporter; Movie Reviewer
December 3, 2021
Marvels Studios 2021 movie Eternals came out on November 5th

Marvel “Eternals” Movie Review

Jemma Bullock, Staff Reporter; Movie Reviewer
November 9, 2021
National French Week

National French Week

Jemma Bullock, Staff Reporter; Movie Reviewer
November 9, 2021
The 2021 Fall Play was a compilation of William Shakespeares plays.

[Photo]

The 2021 Ankeny School Board, City Council, and Mayoral election winners.

Ankeny local election results

Jemma Bullock, Staff Reporter; Movie Reviewer
November 3, 2021
PXL_20211029_144619995

[Photo]

The Talon News team held a press conference with five of the seven candidates running for Ankeny School Board election on Thursday, Oct. 28 at Ankeny High School. Candidates spoke on a wide variety of topics including the importance of empowering leadership, diversity and inclusion, and providing safe and welcoming environments for all in the Ankeny Community School District. Candidates pictured from left to right: Lori Bullock, Joy Burk, Shelly Northway, Lori Lovstad, and Sarah Barthole

A conversation with Ankeny School Board candidates

Jemma Bullock, Abby Stephenson, Autumn Mulford, Vivian Wu, and Luke Mora
October 28, 2021
Denis Villeneuves 2021 movie Dune featuring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Jason Mamoa was released in theaters on Oct 22.

“Dune” Movie Review

Jemma Bullock, Staff Reporter; Movie Reviewer
October 28, 2021
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