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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
Demographic information provided by Ankeny Community School District showing the divide between numbers. Infographic made by Ava Tomlinson using Piktochart

A changing community

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
May 17, 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

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
February 29, 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

[Video] The Talon promo

Vivian Wu, Web/Print/Multimedia Editor; Videographer
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
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 you're 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 Sinatra's "Mistletoe and Holly".

Holiday Hawks with heart

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