• 3/13 Boys Track: State Indoor @ ISU Lied Rec Center
  • 3/14 Girls Track: State Indoor @ISU Lied Rec Center
  • 3/15 State Speech Contest
The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
Created by Chloe Macke using Canva.
Reading Rights: The impact of recently proposed bills on libraries
March 14, 2025
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird signed onto lawsuit Texas v. Becerra which states that section 504 is unconstitutional. “I wish I could look at it impartially, just as this really fascinating constitutional phenomenon that didn't have any potential behind it to harm other people or even harm myself, but I really can't do that,” University of Iowa professor and licensed attorney Brett Johnson said. Photo by Lydia Gerety
Iowa families concerned for their children’s equal access to education
March 8, 2025
In January and February, over ten bills targeting queer youth have been presented to both the Iowa House and Senate floor. Created by River Phillips using Canva.
Debate over HF80: Iowa’s proposal on pronoun use in classrooms
March 7, 2025
Model United Nations team at the Muscatine Conference from Jan. 29-30. Left- right Lydia Gerety junior, Morgan Conklin senior, Kalini Cheddie senior, Carter Ross senior, Finn Stukerjurgen senior. Photo from Kendra Richardson
Making a more peaceful world
February 27, 2025
Around 80 percent of the world consumes caffeine every day, with the average intake being around 200 milligrams, reports the National Library of Medicine. Created by Sylvia Bartlett using Canva.
Wake-up call; why do Ankeny High School students drink caffeine?
February 21, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Unplugged education: Revolution or regression?
Unplugged education: Revolution or regression?
February 28, 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
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
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
Staff Reporter Savannah Dye recaps Monday Night Raw's last show on March 10th. Made in Canva by Savannah Dye.
Monday Night Raw: Reflection and prediction
March 12, 2025
Ankeny Centennial recently started its own pickleball club and is looking for both more members and more opportunities to play against other schools. Photo by Tobias Landmesser.
Pickleball: The next big dill
March 3, 2025
Savannah Gage (1, right) celebrates with teammates and fans during the Adidas 3SSB 17U Girls Basketball National Championship. ETG Midwest would go on to win the game in double overtime, creating a lasting memory for Gage and her teammates. (Photo published with permission from Savannah Gage)
‘It’s really fun to play a lot of talent from all over; it really helps grow my game.’
March 1, 2025
The Hawkettes huddle breaks before starting the game.
Hawkettes fall to Waukee Northwest in regional final
February 26, 2025
Senior Faith Spoelstra (12) cheers on her teammates from the bench in the second half.
Hawkettes rout Sioux City East in regional semifinals
February 24, 2025
“It depends on what the purpose of the homework is. And it shouldn't just be to make somebody do something, but to show [something]. Have they shown mastery of that point?” Bing said. “Is it something that, in terms of the learning process, connects to whatever learning outcomes. [It’s] kind of shifting the point of the homework from what students sometimes think of it as, instead of what it actually is.” Created by Sylvia Bartlett using Canva.
Homework: Teaching tool or too much?
March 17, 2025
The Pink Elephant, a tattoo and piercing shop in Ankeny
The art of tattooing
March 10, 2025
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird signed onto lawsuit Texas v. Becerra which states that section 504 is unconstitutional. “I wish I could look at it impartially, just as this really fascinating constitutional phenomenon that didn't have any potential behind it to harm other people or even harm myself, but I really can't do that,” University of Iowa professor and licensed attorney Brett Johnson said. Photo by Lydia Gerety
Iowa families concerned for their children’s equal access to education
March 8, 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
Ankeny Centennial recently started its own pickleball club and is looking for both more members and more opportunities to play against other schools. Photo by Tobias Landmesser.
Pickleball: The next big dill
March 3, 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
Savannah Gage (1, right) celebrates with teammates and fans during the Adidas 3SSB 17U Girls Basketball National Championship. ETG Midwest would go on to win the game in double overtime, creating a lasting memory for Gage and her teammates. (Photo published with permission from Savannah Gage)
‘It’s really fun to play a lot of talent from all over; it really helps grow my game.’
March 1, 2025
Ankeny High School senior Andrew Haase walks off of the mat after a win at the Ankeny versus Centennial dual meet on Dec. 12, 2024. Photo published with permission by Andrew Haase, Photo by Dylan Shoemaker, The Fittest Photographer
Andrew Haase, the brotherhood of Ankeny wrestling
February 15, 2025
Ankeny High School senior Tyson Rauser holds three of his catches on Little River in Iowa. Photo permission by Tyson Rauser
A real catch
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 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
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
The Hawkettes took on #2 Dowling Catholic away on Jan. 31.
Hawkettes face No. 2 Maroons for the first time in two weeks
February 3, 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
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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