The Student News Site of Ankeny High School

The Talon
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
September 4, 2024
For many of the pickleball players, spending time with friends is just as much a part of the league as the game itself. The league is built to be flexible in working around players’ schedules. Because many of the players involved with the Ankeny Pickleball League are busy with other sports and activities, teams are open to finding any time to play, even if it means getting up early on a weekend for a game. On Sunday, May, the Houston Red Rockets and the Big Picklers went head-to-head in an early morning match-up. Sophomore Hayden Carlson hits the ball over the net.
An Ankeny Pickleball League is born
May 21, 2024
Demographic information provided by Ankeny Community School District showing the divide between numbers. Infographic made by Ava Tomlinson using Piktochart
A changing community
May 17, 2024
Senior Hunter Boswell deletes the app Tik Tok due to the recent news about the controversial, yet potential, Tik Tok ban in the U.S.
Imminent TikTok ban?
May 15, 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
May 2, 2024
“Alien: Romulus” was released in theaters on Aug. 16. The movie runs at one hour and 59 minutes. Poster for “Alien: Romulus” from 20th Century Studios, Director Fede Alvarez, Rated R
“Alien: Romulus”
August 20, 2024
Ankeny's Visual Adrenaline sings all together in the choir room.
Music’s impact on us
May 23, 2024
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
May 22, 2024
Original album cover of “meet the grahams” by Kendrick Lamar, Record label Interscope Records
“meet the grahams” by Kendrick Lamar
May 14, 2024
Album cover for Taylor Swift's most recent album, "Tortured Poets Department" Record label Republic Records, Photographer Beth Garrabrant
“The Tortured Poets Department” – A deep dive
May 9, 2024
“Alien: Romulus” was released in theaters on Aug. 16. The movie runs at one hour and 59 minutes. Poster for “Alien: Romulus” from 20th Century Studios, Director Fede Alvarez, Rated R
“Alien: Romulus”
August 20, 2024
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
May 22, 2024
Original album cover of “meet the grahams” by Kendrick Lamar, Record label Interscope Records
“meet the grahams” by Kendrick Lamar
May 14, 2024
Album cover for Taylor Swift's most recent album, "Tortured Poets Department" Record label Republic Records, Photographer Beth Garrabrant
“The Tortured Poets Department” – A deep dive
May 9, 2024
Dua Lipa's most recent album," Radical Optimism," dropped in May. Label Warner Records Album cover photo by Tyrone Lebon
Dua Lipa’s “Radical Optimism”
May 9, 2024
Senior Evan Irlmeier evades the Rams’ defense.
Hawks take on Southeast Polk Rams in week 2 road game
September 7, 2024
The Hawks go head to head with the Jags for the snap.
Ankeny Hawks kick off 2024 football season with Centennial Jags
September 2, 2024
For many of the pickleball players, spending time with friends is just as much a part of the league as the game itself. The league is built to be flexible in working around players’ schedules. Because many of the players involved with the Ankeny Pickleball League are busy with other sports and activities, teams are open to finding any time to play, even if it means getting up early on a weekend for a game. On Sunday, May, the Houston Red Rockets and the Big Picklers went head-to-head in an early morning match-up. Sophomore Hayden Carlson hits the ball over the net.
An Ankeny Pickleball League is born
May 21, 2024
Talon reporter Levi Foster talks about who he thinks will win the Cy Young (best pitcher), Most Valuable Player (MVP), and Rookie of the Year for the American League and the National League. Infographic made by Levi Foster using Canva
Way too early MLB awards
May 2, 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
Ankeny's Visual Adrenaline sings all together in the choir room.
Music’s impact on us
May 23, 2024
Reporting by Grace Risk and Slideshow Slideshow made by Joanna Guerrero using Canva
In loving memory of Evie McLeish
May 21, 2024
With the reality of the post-high school world starting to hit, and everything required to end senior year with good grades, many seniors can seemingly feel weighed down by everything that needs to get done, and this is when senioritis tends to strike... Art by Jason Dennis
It’s senioritis season
May 16, 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
May 2, 2024
Sophomore Max Allison stands at 7-feet tall next to 6-foot tall junior Ryan Tomlinson.
A tall tale
April 25, 2024
Senior Evan Irlmeier evades the Rams’ defense.
Hawks take on Southeast Polk Rams in week 2 road game
September 7, 2024
The Hawks go head to head with the Jags for the snap.
Ankeny Hawks kick off 2024 football season with Centennial Jags
September 2, 2024
Reporting by Grace Risk and Slideshow Slideshow made by Joanna Guerrero using Canva
In loving memory of Evie McLeish
May 21, 2024
For many of the pickleball players, spending time with friends is just as much a part of the league as the game itself. The league is built to be flexible in working around players’ schedules. Because many of the players involved with the Ankeny Pickleball League are busy with other sports and activities, teams are open to finding any time to play, even if it means getting up early on a weekend for a game. On Sunday, May, the Houston Red Rockets and the Big Picklers went head-to-head in an early morning match-up. Sophomore Hayden Carlson hits the ball over the net.
An Ankeny Pickleball League is born
May 21, 2024
Award-winning podcasters, The Gray Room, review theme songs to some of your favorite shows! Can you say nostalgia? Design by Charlie Christensen using Vista Print
The Gray Room Podcast
May 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
  • 9/5 Boys 9th & 10th grade Golf @ Woodland Hills
  • 9/5 Girls & Boys Cross Country @ ISU
  • 9/5 9th grade Volleyball @ Pella
  • 9/5 9th grade Football @ AHS
  • 9/6 Varsity Football @ Southeast Polk
  • 9/7 Varsity Volleyball Invitational @ Valley
  • 9/7 JV Volleyball Tournament @ Osage High School

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
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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