The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
Hyper Energy Bar located at 1101 South Ankeny Boulevard opened on Nov. 11. Hyper fundraised for Ankeny Schools upon its opening and donated over $2,000 to the Ankeny Community School District.
Ankeny Hyper opens, already giving back to the community
November 13, 2024
Junior Brett Augustine (bib number 409) passes runners from Mason City and Indianola at about the 4k mark of the race.
AHS cross country teams shine at state meet
November 7, 2024
Behind the Curtain: AHS’s fall play, “Pride & Prejudice”
November 7, 2024
Fine arts teacher and assistant music director Kelly Weber leads the band after a pregame performance on Sept. 27.
Future Ready Week series
November 6, 2024
Teacher Academy students from Ankeny Centennial, juniors Parker Wilson, Tony Mandolfo, and Sophia Royster develop their lesson plans that will be presented to the class. “[Teacher Academy students are] getting the experience of actually seeing if this is a career. They're getting that time in the classroom,” Teacher Academy and science teacher Kristen Campbell-Blumhagen (CB) said.
Students are getting up from behind the desk and partnering with industry professionals
November 5, 2024
On Episode 2 of "Now Playing...", Nolan McNulty and Blake Eichmeier talk about Denzel Curry, A$AP Rocky, and more!
Now Playing…
November 18, 2024
Now Playing... hosts Nolan McNulty and Blake Eichmeier. Description of "In Whose Name?" provided by Variety.
Now Playing…
November 14, 2024
Behind the Curtain: AHS’s fall play, “Pride & Prejudice”
November 7, 2024
Fine arts teacher and assistant music director Kelly Weber leads the band after a pregame performance on Sept. 27.
Future Ready Week series
November 6, 2024
Ankeny FBLA poses at the FBLA State Fall Leadership Conference (SFLC) in Des Moines.
Future Business Leaders of America: Emerging club at AHS
October 31, 2024
On Episode 2 of "Now Playing...", Nolan McNulty and Blake Eichmeier talk about Denzel Curry, A$AP Rocky, and more!
Now Playing…
November 18, 2024
Girls ask the guys on Sadie Hawkins Day. Design by Olivia Luna using Canva
Sadie Hawkins Dance
November 18, 2024
Now Playing... hosts Nolan McNulty and Blake Eichmeier. Description of "In Whose Name?" provided by Variety.
Now Playing…
November 14, 2024
Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) began due to Chevron having too many smokestacks and not properly labeling them under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Chevron Deference: destruction of experts in courts
November 4, 2024
Cover of “CHROMAKOPIA” by Tyler, The Creator, Columbia Records
“CHROMAKOPIA”: where Tyler, The Creator has been and where he’s going
October 30, 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
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
November 8, 2024
Junior Brett Augustine (bib number 409) passes runners from Mason City and Indianola at about the 4k mark of the race.
AHS cross country teams shine at state meet
November 7, 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
November 3, 2024
The Hawkettes get hype before the opening set. On Tuesday night, the Hawkettes faced off against Iowa City High and won with a set score of 3-0 to punch their ticket to Coralville against Waukee Northwest, which will take place on Monday, Nov. 4th.
Hawkettes take the win over Iowa City High to advance to State
October 30, 2024
Senior Landen Rutter goes to high-five the student section before the football season's first game against cross-town rival Centennial.
United by the game
November 14, 2024
Silent echoes of the past—where memories rest and the weight of loss lingers in the stillness. Oralabor Cemetery stands as a stark reminder that nothing lasts forever. Grief is real.
“It’s going to be okay”
November 11, 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
November 8, 2024
AHS guidance counselors Audrey Bell, Kelly Andrews, and Mici Vos pose during busy Future Ready Week.
Future Ready Week
November 5, 2024
As P.E.O.P.E.L. P.E. members participate in Circle of Friends events, they reportedly discovered an enriching space where everyone is encouraged to shine, regardless of background or abilities. This supportive setting allows students to collaborate and communicate, enhancing social skills while nurturing a deep sense of belonging. In turn, the diverse participants continue to breathe new life into the P.E.O.P.E.L. P.E. program at Ankeny High School, bringing different perspectives and experiences that enrich every game and activity.
Circle of Friends
November 1, 2024
On Episode 2 of "Now Playing...", Nolan McNulty and Blake Eichmeier talk about Denzel Curry, A$AP Rocky, and more!
Now Playing…
November 18, 2024
Now Playing... hosts Nolan McNulty and Blake Eichmeier. Description of "In Whose Name?" provided by Variety.
Now Playing…
November 14, 2024
The Iowa High School Press Association (IHSPA) held its annual fall conference for journalism students across Iowa on Oct. 24 at the Iowa Memorial Union on the University of Iowa Campus in Iowa City. Students from both Ankeny High School (AHS) and Ankeny Centennial currently in Advanced Journalism or Yearbook were in attendance.
IHSPA fall conference 2024: Everything you should know
October 26, 2024
Created by Lydia Gerety using Canva
The Environmental Club: Keeping Ankeny Green
October 23, 2024
The Ankeny student section showed their support by dressing out in red, white, and blue for the Ankeny versus Dowling game.
Hawks Triumph Over Number One Ranked Dowling Maroons
September 15, 2024
This month's 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 Talon's 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
  • 11/18 Cheerleading facility reservation
  • 11/18 Wrestling Girls 8th
  • 11/18 Basketball Girls 8 vs. Fort Dodge @ Southview
  • 11/18 FCA huddle
  • 11/19 Wrestling Boys 8th
  • 11/19 Wrestling Girls Varsity
  • 11/21 Band Festival @ Iowa State
  • 11/21 Basketball Girls 8th
  • 11/21 Band Performance
  • 11/21 Wrestling Girls Varsity @ Ballard High School
  • 11/22 Band Festival
  • 11/23 Band Festival
  • 11/23 Wrestling Girls Varsity
  • 11/23 Basketball Girls Varsity vs. Ames @ AHS

The Talon

The Talon
Lydia Gerety

Lydia Gerety, Editor in Chief

Lydia Gerety is a sophomore at Ankeny High School. She is involved in Model United Nations and marching band. She plans to go to a four year college and pursue a degree revolving around English language arts. Lydia likes to spend time with her family and friends and can be spotted at your closest bookstore roaming the shelves.

All content by Lydia Gerety
Teacher Academy students from Ankeny Centennial, juniors Parker Wilson, Tony Mandolfo, and Sophia Royster develop their lesson plans that will be presented to the class. “[Teacher Academy students are] getting the experience of actually seeing if this is a career. They're getting that time in the classroom,” Teacher Academy and science teacher Kristen Campbell-Blumhagen (CB) said.

Students are getting up from behind the desk and partnering with industry professionals

Lydia Gerety, Editor in Chief
November 5, 2024
Created by Lydia Gerety using Canva

[Video] The Environmental Club: Keeping Ankeny Green

Lydia Gerety, Editor in Chief
October 23, 2024
Created using Canva by Lydia Gerety

Feet to the beat

Lydia Gerety, Editor in Chief
October 19, 2024
Engage in some fall fun in Ankeny. Grab a coffee from Porch light and watch a Friday night movie at their outdoor space, or participate in Tuesday night bingo at Uptown garage. You could even take a spooky stroll to see the Halloween Fright Lights. Caption reporting by Caden McGlin Design by Lydia Gerety using Canva

Explore Ankeny’s fall activities and shops

Lydia Gerety and Caden McGlin
October 11, 2024
The media center is all set up for the Oct. 8 Open Mic Night.

[Photo] The night the mic stays open

Samuel Green, Staff Reporter
October 8, 2024
The Ankeny School Board passes Policy 0502.06 Respectable Use of Mobile Devices at the Monday, Sept. 16 meeting. “Students may possess Wireless Communication Devices on district property and on district-owned, district-leaded, and/or district chartered transportation, provided that, during School Hours, student Wireless Communication Devices shall be turned off, concealed, and placed out of the student’s reach” (Policy 0502.06). Students are able to have their phones in their backpacks but are not allowed to access them during school hours.

Ankeny school board members vote in favor of new cell phone policy

Lydia Gerety and Caden McGlin
September 17, 2024
Ankeny Community School District (ACSD) started the new year with a couple of changes, the new cell phone policy and books that have been pulled from the library. ACSD did not have a choice in the book ban due to state law Senate File 496 (SF 496), but they did spend countless hours reviewing books to only pull what was necessary. “Any book that came off the shelf, I can tell you exactly what page the issue is on,” teacher librarian Jenny Wirtz said.

Ankeny High School starts the year head-on

Lydia Gerety, Editor in Chief
September 4, 2024
Southview eighth grader, Noemi Gavilan, runs to celebrate with teammates. Special Olympics is unique because it presents opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to compete in athletics.

AHS takes on Special Olympics

Lydia Gerety, Editor in Chief
April 30, 2024
Watchamacalits work with trumpet player Dave Kobberdahl. "It [jazz band]is just honestly more zesty. You get to do your own thing more," sophomore Kiera Swanberg said.

Let’s add some swing

Lydia Gerety, Editor in Chief
February 7, 2024
Ankeny High School social worker Arin Renaud works in her office. Arin Renaud can help provide students and families with many forms of support. “I hope that people describe me as being kind, genuine, and caring and I hope students think I am supportive, a good listener, and encouraging to them.”

Self-care and finding a balance

Lydia Gerety, Editor in Chief
January 30, 2024
The children's section at Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library features a wide variety of picture books. A few of the books featured are "Flower for Sarajevo" by John McCutcheon, "Late Nate in a Race" by Emily Arnold McCully, and more.

‘The narrative is everything is great in Ankeny, but that may not be the case for every facility and for every kid’

Lydia Gerety, Editor in Chief
December 6, 2023
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