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
  • 4/24 Boys Tennis @ Southeast Polk
  • 4/24 Special Olympics @ AHS
  • 4/25 Girls Tennis @ Ankeny Tennis Center
  • 4/25 Boys Tennis @ Ankeny Tennis Center
  • 4/25 Boys Track @ Drake
  • 4/25 Boys Soccer @ AHS
  • 4/26 Festival of Bands @ Southeast Polk
  • 4/26 Girls Track @ Drake
  • 4/26 Boys Track @ Drake
  • 4/26 Girls Soccer @ TBK Bank Sports Complex
  • 4/27 Boys Soccer @ Northview
  • 4/27 Girls Soccer @ TBK Bank Sports Complex
  • 4/27 Girls Track @ Drake
  • 4/27 Boys Track @ Drake

The Talon

The Talon
Vivian Wu

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer

Vivian Wu is a senior at Ankeny High School. She serves as co-web/print/multimedia editor and specializes in multimedia for The Talon. Outside of The Talon, Vivian is president of C.O.R.E., plays center snare for marching band, plays drums for Visual Adrenaline, is a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council, and helps lead Reel Ankeny Productions.

All content by Vivian Wu
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

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
February 29, 2024
Griffin, Dr. Johnson, and I discuss Dr. Johnsons current music taste.

[Photo] The Gray Room Podcast

Charlie Christensen and Griffin Nye
February 19, 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

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
January 31, 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
The Elvis and the Squirrels cast and crew.

[Photo] “Elvis and the Squirrels”: Student-written, directed, and performed

Julius Wiegand and Ryan Tomlinson
January 25, 2024

[Video] The Talon promo

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
September 7, 2023

[Video] Sprinkling sparkles

Vivian Wu and Scott Kruse
September 7, 2023

Nest News #2- Week of 9/4/23

Vivian Wu and Scott Kruse
September 7, 2023

Nest News #1- Week of 9/28/23

Vivian Wu and Scott Kruse
September 7, 2023
The Ankeny school board had its meeting on Monday, June 19. In addition to finance approvals and facilities requests, some district employees spoke out regarding contract negotiations. “Hundreds of teachers show up at these school board meetings in hopes that a message will be delivered to you. However, the lack of questions being asked from your end only perpetuates the problem,” Centennial High math teacher Dana Degeeter said. Centennial High language arts interventionist Kelcy Lofgren expressed frustrations with the board process. “School board meetings were not moved to a larger venue when space was available to accommodate teachers who wanted to attend, Lofgren said. These actions signal that employees and employee voices are not valued.”

Ankeny school board meeting recap: June 19

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
June 20, 2023
Saying goodbye is never easy. These 10 Ankeny High (AHS) teachers say goodbye to the Hawk Nest by sharing some of their fondest memories and experiences during their time at AHS.

Farewell to some Hawksome educators

Joanna Guerrero, Scott Kruse, Julien Noble, Ava Tomlinson, and Vivian Wu
June 2, 2023
The National Champion Mock Trial team has placed Ankeny in the highest level, a level not typically seen for public schools. “There were tons of Ivy League prep schools—like the $40,000+ a year Princeton Day School from New Jersey that we eliminated in the second round—and so Ankeny stood out as a public school,” assistant coach of the Miller-Metzger Academy, Joe Metzger said. “We showed that not only can public school kids compete with prestigious prep schools. We can beat them.”

AHS Mock Trial: National Champions

Joanna Guerrero and Vivian Wu
May 24, 2023
The Miller-Metzger Academy with their coaches. From left to right: Stephanie Gray, Hannah Pross, Nicki Casady, Sareena Casady, Marissa Larson-Minar, Mallory Jordan, Hayden DeWitt, Chloe Andersen, Grant Miner, Marcus Miller, Noah Yeager, Joe Metzger, Raegan Hansen, Amy Akers.

AHS Mock Trial team wins State, Nationals next

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
April 6, 2023
Senior Sam Stember plays trumpet in the band room after school. His main instruments are tuba and bass trombone.“The fact that Sam is such a talented musician and the fact that he can play equally as good on bass trombone in Jazz Ensemble as he can on tuba in Concert Band and sousaphone in Marching Band [demonstrates how] Sam is a well-rounded, versatile musician,” Jennifer Williams, head director of Ankeny High School Bands, said.

It’s okay, he’s with the band

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
March 23, 2023
Ankeny students rally just outside of Ankeny High School holding pride flags and listening to speakers share personal stories about empowerment, frustrations, and hurt with regards to anti-LGBTQ legislation. Ankeny High School students took part in a state-wide walkout along with 46 other schools and a total of 10,000 students on March 1. The walkout, organized by the Iowa Queer Student Alliance and Iowa WTF, was formed in response to recent legislation circulating the capitol. An estimated number of 150 students, grade 8-12, walked outside of the high school, waving rainbow flags and holding posters.

The march continues

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
March 5, 2023
“Everyone is welcome no matter what part of the community youre a part of or not a part of, Iowa QSA and Iowa WTF member, walk out organizer, and senior Jemma Bullock said. The walk out seeks to bring attention to recent legislation in Iowa. Iowa WTF put together a list of Iowa legislative bills to watch. The group, according to their Instagram page is “A coalition of young people fighting discriminatory legislation through advocacy, activism, and civic engagement.”

AHS students to take part in state-wide walkout against recent legislation

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
February 28, 2023
This is a page from “Pasta,” a zine made by sophomore Julien Noble. In this zine, the protagonist makes spaghetti, the swirling noodles symbolize his swirling thoughts, and he is eventually consumed by his anxiety.

Youth in crisis

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
January 13, 2022

Hawks spread cheer for all to hear

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
December 23, 2021
English and acting teacher Mollie Jo Blahunka sings a bit from Frank Sinatras Mistletoe and Holly.

Holiday Hawks with heart

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
December 20, 2021

[Video] Happy holidays, AHS

Vivian Wu and Sarah Rose
December 14, 2021
Crochet/Knitting Club founder, junior Ocn Brown, ready to go with her knitting supplies.

Welcome to the Knitting, Crochet Club

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
November 18, 2021

[Video] Join Journalism!

October 29, 2021
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
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