The student news site of Manitou Springs High School

The Prospector
The new wall mural was put up by the company Creative Consortium on Oct. 2 in the Commons.
New wall mural celebrates MSHS history
The MSHS weight room undergoes renovations on Sep. 17 due to ADA compliance and to prioritize student interest. This project started on May 10, and is planned to be completed in October.
MSHS weight room renovation experiences delays
Cordelia Portman, a senior at Manitou Springs High School, reads the Accredited with Distinction notice in Amanda Kerrigan's room on Sept. 19.
D14 receives Accredited with Distinction Award
The MSHS weight room will be moved to where the World Language rooms are over the summer of 2025.
Weight room to be relocated for ADA accessibility
The large screen TV with class composites is next to the new gym door in the Commons.
Class composites uploaded to touch screens in MSHS
Kyle Blasi (12) works to create a film for Youth Documentary Academy on July 1. Blasi edits this film during his independent study class period.
Students at MSHS enjoy art-based independent studies
Luca Baker (11) presents a bill on concealed carry to Rep. Step Vigil.
Colorado legislators visit MSHS
Maya Scott poses with a water bottle from SCAD celebrating the scholarship she received to attend.
Maya Scott accepted to Savannah College of Art and Design
Jacob Jacobsen works at the Penny Arcade on his coffin for the Coffin Races on Oct. 24.
Former MSHS student designs coffin for the Penny Arcade
Pierce Gillard, an English teacher at MSHS who dressed as Smokey The Bear, says his favorite Halloween memory is dressing as Buzz Lightyear when he was nine years old. "I had a helmet that covered my head and it was just so cool to be Buzz Lightyear," Gillard said.
Teachers share favorite Halloween memories
JV players Nate Eminger(9) and Hunter Jaxon (9) practice leverage tackles during their practice on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
JV Football moves forward despite small roster
In order from left to right: Wesley Husby (10), Lucas (9), Coach Vecchio, Hayden Dorsey( 11) and Maddox Milar(11), pose for a photo at Lamar on Aug. 13th. The team placed third in their first tournament at Lamar. Hayden holds a plaque he received for individually placing first. After placing well the boys will attend an invite only meet at vanguard the following Thursday.
Fall Sports Preview: Boys Golf
The Manitou Springs high school cross country team attends the widefield meet on Aug. 29 for the second meet of the season. This season they are working hard to get the runners ready for later meets, hopefully to not only have the girls place in state again but have the boys place in state also.
Fall Sports Preview: Cross Country
Weston Cassidy (12) kicks the soccer ball during a game on Aug. 28 against Saint Marys at Rykovich Field. The team won this game 10-0.
Fall Sports Preview: Boys Soccer
On Aug. 26 the Varsity volleyball team huddles to figure out their game plan. The girls want to try to win as much as possible this season. “Having a winning record is my ultimate goal,” McBride said.
Fall Sports Preview: Volleyball
Senior Naomi Porter stands with her Most Improved Rider award after State Championships on Oct. 18. The Most Improved Rider award goes to the athlete that has improved the most from freshman year to senior year. Porter had a 13 minute improvement in her lap times.
Commentary: The impact of the Colorado High School Cycling League
Madison Anderson (12) shows her Cheyenne Mountain softball jersey from this year. Anderson looks forward to the chance to get more recognition for her accomplishments during her last season.
Student athletes that play for other schools deserve more recognition
Students attending J day at CU Boulder on Oct. 1 listen closely to a photo composition presentation.
The importance of JDay
Becket Wendell-Evans (12) stands in front of Manitou Springs City Hall during the second "Hands Off!" protest. Although holding a "No Kings" sign, this was before the first No Kings protest, which the sign conveniently came in handy for.
Students participate in “No Kings” protest
District Director of Safety and Security, Janie Anderson greets Mary Parliament (11) at the Commons door before school starts on Sept. 25. Anderson and the high school principal Anna Conrad greet students before school daily. It is Conrad's goal each year to know every student's name.
Editorial: Remember the ways we are safe
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Members of the cast of "Suzette Who Set to Sea" hold their "1st Place" and "Outstanding Ensemble" awards won from the Pikes Peak Regional One-Act Competition in 2022.
Breaking News: The One-Act competition returns after a two year hiatus
Advanced Orchestra performing a Halloween concert at the silk building at MSHS on Oct.14 while David Williams directs them.
MSHS students perform October concerts
"Tron: Ares" was released into theaters on Oct. 10, 2025 and is a stand alone sequel in the Tron Franchise.
Review: “Tron: Ares”
Hornet from Hollow Knight Silksong charges into the lands of Pharloom, needle in hand ready to fight her next opponent.
Review: Hollow Knight Silksong
A Mutalith Vortex Beast, displays its strength and might in the new update for "Space Marine 2".
Follow up review: Space Marine 2
Members of the cast of "Suzette Who Set to Sea" hold their "1st Place" and "Outstanding Ensemble" awards won from the Pikes Peak Regional One-Act Competition in 2022.
Breaking News: The One-Act competition returns after a two year hiatus
Kyle Blasi and Morrigan Schulz rehearse for their student directed play.
MSHS students undertake writing and directing plays
Beckett Wendell-Evans holds Meggan Milliron in the air during a practice dance.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Lana Kahtava (11) and Kai Jacobson(12) begin to present the awards for the night.
Theater students celebrate The Larry’s
Kai Jacobson (12) and Abby Steen leave Manitou Springs High School with cheers from the students and staff on Thursday, Feb. 8. They arrived at the Buell Theater of Downtown Denver and began rehearsing with the rest of the choir for their performance that Saturday.
Kai Jacobson performs with All-State Honor Choir
Benjamin Parham (11) holds up his first place trophy from the Battle of the Bands on May 2 at the SILC amphitheater. Parham represented The Beanie Boys because his bandmate, Dante Alexander (11), had to leave early.
Breaking News: Beanie Boys win the first MSHS Battle of the Bands
Annie Riggin works with Manitou choir teacher Abby Steen in preparation of her All-State Honor Choir performances.
Annie Riggin selected for Colorado All-State Honor Choir
The MSHS Symphonic Band plays the Fight Song as they round the track. The band practices for the parade every year.
MSHS band brings the sound of Homecoming
Lucas Grieb (12) & Lance Warner (12) pose for a band photo, outside in Manitou Springs, CO, with their guitars.
Euphoria: Manitou Springs High School’s up and coming band
Anton Akse (12), principal chair tuba, focuses on how his instrument sounds in the concert hall as opposed to the rehearsal space.
Abeel and Aske play in top youth orchestral group
"Tron: Ares" was released into theaters on Oct. 10, 2025 and is a stand alone sequel in the Tron Franchise.
Review: “Tron: Ares”
A Mutalith Vortex Beast, displays its strength and might in the new update for "Space Marine 2".
Follow up review: Space Marine 2
The Conjuring: Last Rites was released on date Sep. 5th 2025.
Review: “The Conjuring: Last Rites”
"Great Big Beautiful Life" was released on April 22, 2025.
Book Review: “Great Big Beautiful Life”
RaMell Ross's Oscar nominated movie "Nickel Boys" came out on August 30, 2024.
Review: “Nickel Boys”
The student news site of Manitou Springs High School

The Prospector
The student news site of Manitou Springs High School

The Prospector
Cordelia Portman

Cordelia Portman, Senior Copy Editor

Cordelia Portman is a senior at Manitou Springs High School. She participates in orchestra and theatre and enjoys the community within those groups. She likes to shop with friends and eat fried ice cream. She dislikes smelly dogs. This year, Cordelia hopes to write impactful articles.

All content by Cordelia Portman
Kyle Blasi (12) works to create a film for Youth Documentary Academy on July 1. Blasi edits this film during his independent study class period.

Students at MSHS enjoy art-based independent studies

Cordelia Portman, Copy Editor
November 11, 2025
The MSHS weight room undergoes renovations on Sep. 17 due to ADA compliance and to prioritize student interest. This project started on May 10, and is planned to be completed in October.

MSHS weight room renovation experiences delays

Cordelia Portman, Copy Editor
September 24, 2025
The Manitou Springs high school cross country team attends the widefield meet on Aug. 29 for the second meet of the season. This season they are working hard to get the runners ready for later meets, hopefully to not only have the girls place in state again but have the boys place in state also.

Fall Sports Preview: Cross Country

Cordelia Portman, Philip Lengerich, and Paige Haugen
September 16, 2025
Alicia Strupp stands in front of her diploma from University of Colorado Springs on Wed. May 7. Strupp has impacted both staff and students positively during her time here at Manitou.

Alisha Strupp leaves MSHS to pursue the next step in her career

Cordelia Portman and Krissy Stout
May 19, 2025
Benjamin Parham (11) holds up his first place trophy from the Battle of the Bands on May 2 at the SILC amphitheater. Parham represented The Beanie Boys because his bandmate, Dante Alexander (11), had to leave early.

Breaking News: Beanie Boys win the first MSHS Battle of the Bands

Cordelia Portman, Copy Editor
May 2, 2025
Mackinzy Wall(11) practices her discus throw on Wednesday, April 9 at the MSHS field to improve further, even after achieving a school record in discus. Wall threw 126.0 feet, on Mar. 8.

Mackinzy Wall earns school record for discus throw

Cordelia Portman, Copy Editor
April 18, 2025
A picture of the new soundboard.

MSSD Auditorium receives lighting system update

Cordelia Portman, Copy Editor
March 19, 2025
Emma Wall (9) and Heather Larsen (12) practice soccer at Maestes Field with their teammates on March 3 to improve kicking accuracy while moving.

Spring Sports Preview: Girls Soccer

Cordelia Portman and Maddie Fonkert
March 12, 2025
Kyle Blasi and Morrigan Schulz rehearse for their student directed play.

MSHS students undertake writing and directing plays

Cordelia Portman, Copy Editor
February 25, 2025
Randy Woofter and Trevor Paskavich installing a tv in the hallway.

[Photo] Editorial: Representation missing for a vast range of clubs and activities

The Prospector staff
January 29, 2025
Nici Sharon kicks a soccer ball.

Nici Sharon leaves her mark of determination on the girls soccer team

Cordelia Portman, Copy Editor
December 13, 2024
Kyle Blazi presses the buzzer at a knowledge bowl practice session.

Knowledge Bowl members wish to see a fresh perception of the team

Cordelia Portman, Copy Editor
November 12, 2024
Kyle Blasi puts his phone in Mike Talbott's phone box.

MSHS adapts to the new cell phone policy

Cordelia Portman, Copy Editor
October 24, 2024
Beckett Wendell-Evans holds Meggan Milliron in the air during a practice dance.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Cordelia Portman, Copy Editor
October 11, 2024
The football team sits on the firetruck in the homecoming.

Manitou Springs celebrates homecoming week

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Halli Leonhardt, Cordelia Portman, Kaleb Cervantes, Krissy Stout, Jarrin Hall, Madison Sharon, Maddie Fonkert, Marisa Fonkert, and Enzo Mendoza
October 7, 2024
Nathaniel Owen helps freshman Marley Garcia with her math practice.

Owen joins the MSHS staff

Krissy Stout and Cordelia Portman
September 6, 2024
Kyle Blasi (10) and Alisha Strupp, a councelor at MSHS, talk about Blasi's schedule for next year on May 15. Many students were consistantly visiting their counselors to reorganize their schedules after the English, Yoga and Dance class changes were announced.

MSHS admin cuts Yoga and Dance and restructures English courses for 24-25

Cordelia Portman, Senior Reporter
May 17, 2024
Gwen Lloyd Davies(11) and Ethan Anderson(12) write about global warming for Poetry class on April 29. If this assignment was due at the end of class, any assignment turned in afterwords would likely receive a 10% deduction, until the end of the unit in which students would receive a 50% deduction.

Students speak out about late work policy

Cordelia Portman, Senior Reporter
April 29, 2024
Brown teaches social studies classes, which have many assignments involving heavy reading and research.

Teachers speak on missing work among MSHS students

Cordelia Portman, Senior Reporter
April 22, 2024
Beket Wendell-Evans, Isaac Boczkiewicz and Meghan Taylor run the script for the spring play for practice at MSHS on Mar. 6. The first rehearsal was on Mar. 5.

A final theater production for class of 2024

Cordelia Portman, Senior Reporter
March 11, 2024
Mike Talbott's last block Algebra II class works in class on Feb. 20. Last year, the desks in Talbott's first block Algebra II were almost full.

[Photo] MSSD14 addresses declining enrollment

Krissy Stout, Senior Reporter
March 5, 2024
Cat Albanese works at her new computer in the front office on Monday Feb. 26.

[Photo] New office secretary Cat Albanese is welcomed to MSHS

Jack Boyd, Senior Reporter
February 28, 2024
The Commons at MSHS are cleaned by Randy Woofter, Trevor Paskavich or "Mr. Steve" on Feb. 15. On Nov. 13, 2023, MSHS district leadership hired CCS Facility Services to contribute to custodial needs around the school.

MSHS struggles to find enough janitors to fill the position

Cordelia Portman, Senior Reporter
February 16, 2024
Students of MSHS walk the newly renovated hallways on Jan. 25. The renovations were made over winter break and, for many parts of the community, came as a surprise.

Students and staff express opinions about hallway renovations

Cordelia Portman, Senior Reporter
January 25, 2024
The Commons kept the same lighting and flooring after the hallway renovations.

Students and staff experience new building renovations

Dalton Gates, Morgan Flannery, Cordelia Portman, MaKenzi VerVaecke, Ari Clark, Angela Rowe, and Katelyn Fonkert
January 17, 2024
Stacy Thomson and Cory Urban pose with new pet of the front office, Clark the betta fish.

Clark joins the front office staff

Dalton Gates and Cordelia Portman
December 12, 2023
Tiffany Selz helps Kelsi VerVaecke(10) with her geometry on Nov 29 at MSHS. Selz has been teaching for eight years and recently was hired at MSHS on Oct. 23.

Selz fulfills a life goal

Cordelia Portman, Junior Reporter
December 1, 2023
Coral, Ido and Ori Shlomo visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The Shlomo family moved from Israel in april of 2022 and have enjoyed experiencing our different culture.

Shlomo family shares perspective on war

Cordelia Portman, Junior Reporter
November 14, 2023
A group of students cast in the musical practice a group dance at MSHS on Oct. 16 to perfect the show. The students began rehearsal on Monday Oct. 2 and have been rehersing three days a week to put on an ideal show.

MSHS writes an original musical

Cordelia Portman, Junior Reporter
October 18, 2023
Substitute teacher Jon Murphy helps Rylynne Murphy in his Geometry class on Sept. 15. Murphy had been part time substitute teaching at MSHS since February of 2001 and recently stepped in to take on a full time position, co-teaching with Erich Hoffmann.

Math substitutes take over for Gardner

Cordelia Portman, Junior Reporter
September 15, 2023
Manitou Springs High School varsity soccer team huddles at half time on Aug. 3 to discuss their gameplay. The team won their last two games and continued on strong with a winning score of 10-0.

[Photo] Fall Sports Preview: Boys Soccer

Katelyn Fonkert and Halli Frost
September 8, 2023
Ashur Lavigne (11) flashes a 'W' while his team celebrates after the teams first win and football game of the season on Friday Aug. 25.

MSHS celebrates the Back to School Assembly and the first home football game

Dalton Gates, Makenzi VerVaecke, Jack Boyd, Cordelia Portman, Kaleb Cervantes, and Halli Frost
August 30, 2023
A hole still remains in the boys locker room hallway at Manitou Springs High School. It is still unknown exactly who caused this damage, but the school is working hard to prevent further damage and take on repairs.

Locker room rule change instituted

Cordelia Portman, Junior Reporter
May 9, 2023
The senior class cheer along to the Party Chant in the Mustang Strong assembly.

Students explore healthy choices on Mustang Strong Day

Halli Frost, Cordelia Portman, Krissy Stout, Ava Huffman, and Gabriel Cisneros
April 7, 2023
Ingrid Perez points to her home country of Puerto Rico in her classroom. In 2016, Perez moved from Puerto Rico to Colorado for her husband to pick up a job opportunity.

Perez brings a fresh perspective

Cordelia Portman, Junior Reporter
March 17, 2023
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