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The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
“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 1, 2025
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
“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
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
“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
“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
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
“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
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
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
“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
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
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
Ankeny High teacher Ms. Sherwood writes the plan for the day on the whiteboard. Photo by Savannah Dye
From student to teacher: Sydney Sherwood’s inspiring journey at Ankeny High School
March 7, 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
Related Content
The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
Related Content
The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
Josie Babcock

Josie Babcock, Staff Reporter

Josie Babcock is a senior at Ankeny High School. She is involved in marching band, jazz band, National Honors Society, throws for track and field, and dances competitively outside of school. Josie plans to attend the University of Iowa after high school to study english and secondary education. A fun fact about Josie is that she enjoys collecting vinyl records and listening to music in her free time.

All content by Josie Babcock
2024 AHS graduate Taevah Ganahl wears a dress from HelloMolly, a fast fashion website, and carries her Stanley tumbler cup. Infographic made by Josie Babcock using Canva

Fashion trend cycle

Josie Babcock and Ava Sarenpa
May 22, 2024
Album cover of “WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU” by Future and Metro Boomin. Album cover from Epic / Freebandz / Republic / Boominati Worldwide

Meet National Merit Scholar finalist, senior Hannah Howard

Josie Babcock, Staff Reporter
May 2, 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

Josie Babcock, Staff Reporter
March 7, 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’

Josie Babcock, Staff Reporter
February 1, 2024
(From left) Elijah Feldhans, Eva Drew, Adam Van Thomme, Atticus Pottratz (back middle), Jenna Freeseman, Nick Robie. “I love the energy that can be felt from every single person on stage. I love being a part of such a happy and intense ending of such a great show,” senior Atticus Pottratz said.

Ankeny show choirs begin their season with a bang in Bloomington

Josie Babcock and Vivian Wu
January 30, 2024
Ankeny High School offers a multitude of college-level courses students can take as early as eighth grade. Select students are offered to take courses through DMACC (Des Moines Area Community College) to get a head start on their high school credits, as well as build a college transcript.

Preparing for life after high school

Josie Babcock, Staff Reporter
November 15, 2023
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