The student news site of Manitou Springs High School

The Prospector
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
A picture of the new soundboard.
MSSD Auditorium receives lighting system update
All proceeds from the Snowball Dance will go to Berkley.
Snowball Dance rescheduled for Feb. 22
MSHS staff and students affected by illness this winter
MSHS staff and students affected by illness this winter
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
Mr. Partridge explains to his 1A class the events that happened between the 1840's and the 1860's.
Partridge leaves MSHS social studies department
Students Sierra Tanner (11) and Rylynne Murphy Skillen (11) study for their math class during Advisory.
Students and staff give advice to prepare for finals
Kloe Roth (12) made a piece called “Butterfly” for the art show. This piece is made with linoleum. Roth made this piece because she kept seeing blue butterflies all summer and it reminded her of her grandpa that passed away. “ I loved being able to display this art show because it has such a personal meaning to me,” Roth said.
A look at the MSHS art show
On Monday, April 28, Alicia Mauer helps Jacob Cayton with Biology.
Staff at MSHS share infectious generosity
Cameron Jones sits in his office next to the various athletic awards. Jones is leaving MSHS to work at Russell Middle School. "'I've been blessed to work in a school district with awesome kids and a great community who have supported me in my time here," Jones said.
Cameron Jones leaves 22 year impact on MSSD14
Coach Stuart Jeck and the football team celebrate a homecoming win on Friday Sept. 22. The Mustangs won against Prospect Ridge 53-0.
Jeck takes the next step in his career
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
Abbie reeves, Hannah Rickert, Alex Traenkle, and Kara Donagen pose for a photo at a wrestling competition.
Swim & Dive/Wrestling Season Recap
Girls' golf players Madi Sharon (12) and Addie Dorsey (10) stand in the doorway alongside Cameron Jones, the Athletic Director at MSHS.
Spring Sports Preview: Girls Golf
Two bull Rocky Mountain Elk spare in the winter preparing for the up and coming breeding season.
Stop the defunding of our national parks
Many locals prefer to use the Colorado Springs airport because it offers safe and convenient travel.
Repeated plane crashes impact the public
Elliot Mettler draws a woolly mouse in class due to his fascination of the project that made them.
The ethics of woolly mice
The senior class of 2024 gets to the school early during their final week to decorate the Commons.
The controversy surrounding senior pranks: a fine line between fun and frenzy
ICE isn't welcome in our schools
ICE isn’t welcome in our schools
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
"Great Big Beautiful Life" was released on April 22, 2025.
Book Review: “Great Big Beautiful Life”
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
RaMell Ross's Oscar nominated movie "Nickel Boys" came out on August 30, 2024.
Review: “Nickel Boys”
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is the most recent Sid Meier game to be released. The game came out Feb. 11, 2025 and it was available for early access a few days earlier
Review: Sid Meier’s “Civilization VII”
The book cover of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros in front of smoke.
Review: “Onyx Storm”
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
At this annual Larry's, MPAC President Kai Jacobson (11) and Vice President Meghan Taylor (11) took liberty in naming and presenting every award given.
The 2023 Larry’s: What to expect of this long standing tradition
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
"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”
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is the most recent Sid Meier game to be released. The game came out Feb. 11, 2025 and it was available for early access a few days earlier
Review: Sid Meier’s “Civilization VII”
A latte with a cat design on the top.
Review: Happy Cats Coffee
A poster for "The Order" directed by Justin Kurzel.
Review: “The Order”
The student news site of Manitou Springs High School

The Prospector
The student news site of Manitou Springs High School

The Prospector
Emily Waite

Emily Waite, Editor-in-Chief

Emily Waite is currently a senior at Manitou Springs High School. She has a pet toad named Bob and three dogs, Lilly, Sophie and Maggie. This is Waite’s fourth year in student council. When she’s not showing her school spirit she enjoys hiking with friends, listening to music and painting. She doesn’t like glitter and red meat. Waite is excited to learn more about journalism this year. 

Contact Emily at [email protected].

All content by Emily Waite
Stacy Thomson, current Administrative Assistant, and Andrew Rhodes (12) answer the phones in the front office on one of Thomson's first days back.

Breaking News: Stacy Thomson returns to the front office

Emily Waite, Editor-in-Chief
April 19, 2023
Jessie Nunley accepts vice principal position at Manitou Springs High School for the 2023-24 school year.

Jessie Nunley named the MSHS 2023-24 assistant principal

Ari Clark and Emily Waite
April 13, 2023
Manitou Springs High School student council celebrate their accomplishment after they received the news of their award.

Breaking News: Manitou Springs High School Student Council receives top national award for ten years in a row

Emily Waite, Editor-in-Chief
April 7, 2023
Ingrid Perez, Stacy Thomson and Gabriela Santos enjoying the last few days with Thomson in her position at MSHS.

Breaking News: Stacy Thomson accepts new position in the MSSD

Emily Waite, Editor-in-Chief
March 23, 2023
In loving memory of Tarran Beitey-Everly.

In memory of Tarran Beitey-Everly

Emily Waite, Editor-in-Chief
March 20, 2023
Lairden Rogge (12) and John Maynard (12) have both been a part of the MSHS Track and Field all four years of their high school experience. Rogge plans on continuing his Track and Field career in college.

[Photo] Spring Sports Preview: Track and Field

Ashur Lavigne, Senior Reporter
March 8, 2023
Jack Embery (12) receives his certificate from his DPE after completing the Private Pilot's License process.

Jack Embery works to receive his Private Pilot’s License

Emily Waite, Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2023
Tyler Maloney (12) and ANdrew Rhodes (12) both have played baseball for over 10 years and are excited for their senior season.

[Photo] Spring Sports Preview: Boys’ Baseball

Erica Sherwin, Senior Reporter
February 22, 2023
Lairden Rogge (12) shoots a free-throw during the rivalry game against St. Mary's.

[Photo] MSHS boys’ basketball team defeats rival

Ashur Lavigne, Senior Reporter
January 23, 2023
Crissy Leonhardt gives her team a pep talk before their state volleyball game in Nov. 2022.

Breaking News: Crissy Leonhardt resigns as head volleyball coach at MSHS

Emily Waite, Editor-in-Chief
January 18, 2023
Andrew Rhodes (12), Jack Embery (12) and Tyler Maloney (12) take a break from their classes to help regain some determination. *photo illustration

[Photo] Editorial: Class of 2023 full sends the school year

Editorial Staff
December 9, 2022
Lairden Rogge (12), John Maynard (12), Andrew Rhodes (12) and Tyler Maloney (12) are four of the team leaders that have played on the Manitou Springs High School Boys' Basketball since freshman year.

[Photo] 2022 Winter Sports Preview: Boys’ Basketball

Ashur Lavigne, Reporter
November 16, 2022
Kaleena Jones (12), Grace Allen (12) and Sami Benge-Kulzer (12) are the only three seniors that have continuously played on the Manitou Springs High School girls' basketball team for their whole high school career.

[Photo] 2022 Winter Sports Preview: Girls’ Basketball

Makenzi VerVaecke, Reporter
November 8, 2022
The Manitou Springs High School's football field being forked by Woodland Park High School students before a basketball game in 2021.

Woodland Park’s one-sided rivalry

Emily Waite, Editor-in-Chief
October 20, 2022
Matthew Barton (12) and Ethan Orr (12) hold the water bottles that started their successful business.

[Photo] Entrepreneur Ethan Orr’s business takes off

Angela Rowe, Reporter
October 17, 2022
MSHS students gear up for voter registration for the week of Oct. 3

[Photo] Editoral: Voter Registration

Prospector Staff, Editor-in-Chief: Jack Embery
September 28, 2022
IMG_0653

[Photo] MaKenzi VerVaecke

September 20, 2022
IMG_0656

[Photo] Halli Leonhardt

September 20, 2022
Elanor Fugate receives 2023 Merit Scholarship Semifinalist Award with Elizabeth Domangue, Anna Conrad, Mike Talbott, Benjamin Mack and Pierce Gillard by her side.

Breaking News: Fugate earns National Merit Semifinalist status

Emily Waite, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2022
In her time at MSHS, Alice Stoneback has worn many hats, as depicted here from World Language and Culture Night 2022.

Alice Stoneback: French and Student Council

Emily Waite, Senior Reporter
May 13, 2022
Henry White (12) in the play "Our Town" that was performed in the fall of 2021.

Henry White leaves his mark on MSHS theater

Emily Waite, Senior Reporter
April 29, 2022
It can be difficult for students to focus on learning when they feel constantly bombarded by negative voices.

[Photo] Commentary: Inside the mind of a victim

Piper Larsen, Reporter
April 20, 2022
StuCo members welcome staff and students back to school this fall in the parking lot. StuCo is active in the MSHS community.

Manitou Springs High School’s  student council earns top national award

Emily Waite, Senior Reporter
April 12, 2022
With lower ticket prices and options for free tickets, students who found the cost for prom tickets prohibitive may now be able to attend prom.

Breaking News: Prom committee lowers ticket prices

Emily Waite and Claire Kisielnicki
April 11, 2022
Jesse Hull has been principal of MSHS for the past two years. Previously, he was assistant principal and a social studies teacher.

Breaking News: Principal Jesse Hull announces resignation

Emily Waite, Senior Reporter
April 11, 2022
Youth Motivational Speaker, Laymon Hicks, speaks to Manitou Springs High School students and staff about the hard work it takes to develop a strong school culture.

Mustang Strong rallies students and staff

Emily Waite, Senior Reporter
April 4, 2022
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

Emily Waite, Senior Reporter
March 8, 2022
Manitou and St. Mary's students show togetherness meeting concluded.

Mending the relationship between St. Mary’s and MSHS

Emily Waite, Senior Reporter
February 16, 2022
Juniors can apply for the Coolidge Scholarship at https://coolidgescholars.org/ . This full-ride presidential scholarship that can be used at any accredited college or university in the US.

Juniors, decrease your college stress today

Emily Waite, Senior Reporter
January 19, 2022
Cassidy Blechman (10), Mckesson Rhodes (10), Evan Yount (10), Samuel Fournier (10), Nathan Gentzel (10), Hallen Haile (10), William Cittadino (10) and Khristian Sanders (10) celebrate winning the dodgeball tournament at the end of Kindness Week.

Bringing Kindness back to MSHS

Emily Waite, Reporter
December 3, 2021
Emily Waite is a senior reporter for The Prospector. This is her first year on staff.

Why vaccination should be a choice

Emily Waite, Reporter
November 8, 2021
Manitou Springs High School just implemented a Hall Pass and Check In/Out sheet system.

[Photo] School climate is declining, how we should fix it?

Emily Waite, Reporter
October 20, 2021
Anna Conrad practices her serve as she helps coach at a Manitou Springs volleyball practice.

Conrad joins the MSHS family

Emily Waite, Reporter
September 30, 2021
Stacy Thomson, in her new office, answers the phone and signs in students at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.

Thomson fills the void left in the front office

Emily Waite, Reporter
September 11, 2021
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