The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
Amidst a turbulent global landscape, the Iowa Capitol stands as a reminder to focus on the power of local government — where decisions impact daily lives most profoundly.
New faces, new policies: Local representatives and the future of Ankeny
December 20, 2024
Lockdowns have become a part of student's daily lives. Students are accustomed to practicing these drills to prepare for a school shooting, but are people taking these events seriously?
Lockdowns and the desensitization of school shootings
December 19, 2024
A faceoff during the junior varsity game.
Beyond the ice: How a hockey game unites a community
December 6, 2024
Made by Tobias Landmesser using Canva
Beyond the basics: Young voters navigate complex ballot choices
November 25, 2024
Hyper Energy Bar located at 1101 South Ankeny Boulevard opened on Nov. 11. Hyper fundraised for Ankeny Schools upon its opening and donated over $2,000 to the Ankeny Community School District.
Ankeny Hyper opens, already giving back to the community
November 13, 2024
Cover of ”GNX” by Kendrick Lamar which dropped Nov. 22 with a runtime of 44 minutes. pgLang, Interscope Records
“GNX” review
December 20, 2024
“Kraven the Hunter” is now playing in a theater near you. The film is rated R and runs at two hours and seven minutes. Movie poster from Columbia Pictures.
“Kraven the Hunter”: An entertaining spin on a classic villain
December 16, 2024
"Now Playing..." hosts Nolan and Blake talk about Snoop Dogg's new album and The Alchemist on episode 5. Design made using Canva.
Now Playing…
December 16, 2024
On episode 4 of "Now Playing..." Nolan and Blake talk about their top artists and songs of the year, along with new music from A$AP Rocky and Juice WRLD. Design by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
December 9, 2024
“Wicked” is a rated PG film with a runtime of two hours and 40 minutes. Universal Pictures, Directed by Jon M. Chu “Gladiator 2” is an R rated film with a runtime of two hours and 28 minutes. Paramount Pictures, Directed by Ridley Scott Collage made by Julius Wiegand using Canva
“Wicked” vs. “Gladiator 2”
November 26, 2024
Mykal Johnson and Lucas Bellis record the first episode of The Sports Amigos with Grady Andersen and Nathan Gerth, featuring guest Sahil Noori. The five discuss the 12-team college football playoff.
The Sports Amigos
December 21, 2024
Cover of ”GNX” by Kendrick Lamar which dropped Nov. 22 with a runtime of 44 minutes. pgLang, Interscope Records
“GNX” review
December 20, 2024
“Kraven the Hunter” is now playing in a theater near you. The film is rated R and runs at two hours and seven minutes. Movie poster from Columbia Pictures.
“Kraven the Hunter”: An entertaining spin on a classic villain
December 16, 2024
"Now Playing..." hosts Nolan and Blake talk about Snoop Dogg's new album and The Alchemist on episode 5. Design made using Canva.
Now Playing…
December 16, 2024
On episode 4 of "Now Playing..." Nolan and Blake talk about their top artists and songs of the year, along with new music from A$AP Rocky and Juice WRLD. Design by Nolan McNulty using Canva.
Now Playing…
December 9, 2024
Mykal Johnson and Lucas Bellis record the first episode of The Sports Amigos with Grady Andersen and Nathan Gerth, featuring guest Sahil Noori. The five discuss the 12-team college football playoff.
The Sports Amigos
December 21, 2024
Hawkettes triumph over Valley in a 53-43 win
December 10, 2024
A faceoff during the junior varsity game.
Beyond the ice: How a hockey game unites a community
December 6, 2024
Jayla Williams goes up for the layup.
Ankeny Hawkettes fly over DMC Lions in a 50-36 win
December 4, 2024
Senior Jade Moser (20) inbounds the basketball. “It [playing on varsity] feels really great to just be here with my team," Moser said. "We've had a lot of posts in the past...It just feels great to be able to feel that role and be here for the team the same way they contributed in the past.”
Hawkettes soar to victory, dominating Little Cyclones 66-28 in Saturday showdown
November 24, 2024
Ankeny High School junior Garrett Hemmingsen poses after his halftime performance at the AHS home football game on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. The dance team was at the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association's state competition on Dec. 6 and came home with a Division 1 (highest rank) rating in all three dances, third place in class 3 contemporary, and fifth place class 9 in hip hop. Photo still by Amber Eft
Garrett Hemmingsen: The first male to ever join the AHS dance team
December 9, 2024
A faceoff during the junior varsity game.
Beyond the ice: How a hockey game unites a community
December 6, 2024
Students collaborate during Hawk Time as they tackle the New York Times crossword puzzle together, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition.
Crossword puzzle challenge at Ankeny High School
December 3, 2024
A senior photo from coach Betten’s senior football season.
Football injury turned cheerleading National Champion
November 21, 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
Mykal Johnson and Lucas Bellis record the first episode of The Sports Amigos with Grady Andersen and Nathan Gerth, featuring guest Sahil Noori. The five discuss the 12-team college football playoff.
The Sports Amigos
December 21, 2024
Lockdowns have become a part of student's daily lives. Students are accustomed to practicing these drills to prepare for a school shooting, but are people taking these events seriously?
Lockdowns and the desensitization of school shootings
December 19, 2024
"Now Playing..." hosts Nolan and Blake talk about Snoop Dogg's new album and The Alchemist on episode 5. Design made using Canva.
Now Playing…
December 16, 2024
Hawkettes triumph over Valley in a 53-43 win
December 10, 2024
Ankeny High School junior Garrett Hemmingsen poses after his halftime performance at the AHS home football game on Friday Oct. 18, 2024. The dance team was at the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association's state competition on Dec. 6 and came home with a Division 1 (highest rank) rating in all three dances, third place in class 3 contemporary, and fifth place class 9 in hip hop. Photo still by Amber Eft
Garrett Hemmingsen: The first male to ever join the AHS dance team
December 9, 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
  • 12/17 Band Performance
  • 12/17 Basketball @ Southeast Polk
  • 12/19 Swimming @ Valley
  • 12/19 Basketball v. Cedar Falls
  • 12/19 Wrestling @ Waukee

The Talon

The Talon
Mackenzie Slump

Mackenzie Slump, Social Media Manager

(she/her/hers) Mackenzie Slump is a senior at Ankeny High. Her birthday is Nov. 25, 2003. She is a Social Media Manager. Outside of school, Mackenzie enjoys reading, dance, and Broadway musicals.
All content by Mackenzie Slump
The Ankeny dance team celebrate their team spirit at dance camp.

Ankeny dance team competes at ISDTA state competition

Mackenzie Slump, Social Media Manager
December 3, 2021
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