The student news site of Manitou Springs High School

The Prospector
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
Vintage orange juice cans found from 1971.
Blast from the past: Scott Tindall discovers vintage orange juice cans above Jack Willie Gym
Maddie Fonkert (11) watches TikTok in her downtime during class on April 15. The TikTok algorithm is designed to track how the user interacts with videos – comments, likes, watch time, and shares – and to show them more videos like the ones they like to keep them engaged.
TikTok remains a factor in the lives of staff and students
Members of SkillsUsa packing for their state competition in Pueblo.
SkillsUSA prepares students for careers post high school
Athletic trainer Jimmy Morin describes the injury to patient Jon Polizzi (12). Morin will be taking a new position at The Vanguard School next year.
Athletic trainer Jimmy Morin leaves MSHS for The Vanguard School
Zookeepers from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo give a keeper talk on Mustang Strong Day 2025 with a spotted python (Antaresia maculosa).
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo visits on Mustang Strong Day
Landon Foster (12) shows his college commitment posted on the senior map in the hallway at MSHS on March 12.
Landon Foster commits to Fort Lewis college to become a veterinarian
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
Senior leaders for the baseball team, Logan Moore, Hayden Martinez and Trafford Havens stand beside eachother.
Spring Sports Preview: Baseball
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
Mackinzy Wall stretches on the track.
Spring Sports Preview: Track and Field
ICE isn't welcome in our schools
ICE isn’t welcome in our schools
A collage of brochures from Colorado colleges, including CSU, Airforce Academy, UNC, CU Denver, Metropolitan State, and CSU Pueblo.
Community college offers benefits in struggling economy
The MSHS lunch lady, Teresa Leets, rings up a student with a tray containing chocolate milk, a kiwi, a pear, and a corndog.
Dietary struggles in high school lunch
Student Landon Foster (12) makes a pizza for his job at Savelli's.
Students gain life experience with part-time jobs
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
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.
Book Review: “Onyx Storm”
Kyle Blasi and Morrigan Schulz rehearse for their student directed play.
MSHS students undertake writing and directing plays
A latte with a cat design on the top.
Review: Happy Cats Coffee
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
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
Boulder Honor Band members Devin Rocha (11) and Hailey Matas (12) at their concert in Boulder.
It’s an Honor to be in Honor Band
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”
Tyler, the Creators new album cover.
Review: Chromakopia
The student news site of Manitou Springs High School

The Prospector
The student news site of Manitou Springs High School

The Prospector
MaKenzi VerVaecke

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Editor-in-Chief

MaKenzi VerVaecke is currently a senior at Manitou Springs High School. She helps to manage football in the fall. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and watching TV shows. One of VerVaecke’s favorite things is to go to MSHS games, specifically basketball and volleyball. However, she dislikes white chocolate and blue cheese. VerVaecke is excited to continue growing her journalistic career as Editor-In-Chief this year.

All content by MaKenzi VerVaecke
The girls basketball team surrounds Coach Gabby during a game.

High school athletics face new challenges

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Editor-In-Chief
February 26, 2025
The girls cross country team biting down on medals post race.

Girls cross country places as state runner up

Makenzi VerVaecke, Editor-In-Cheif
November 20, 2024
George Rykovich stands with a plaque under the new sign for the stadium.

MSHS stadium named for beloved coach George Rykovich

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Editor-in-Chief
October 14, 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
Logan Moore smiles on the football field.

Logan Moore committed to Dordt University

MaKenzi VerVaecke and Jarrin Hall
October 4, 2024
The Manitou Springs High School football team pose together on their field.

Fall Sports Preview: Football

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Editor-In-Chief
August 29, 2024
Hall brought a new depth to Yoga class. Hanging behind Hall are mandalas he had students color and write "I am" statements that described a virtue they represented.

Caleb Hall moves on to pursue master’s in Yoga Therapy

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Editor-in-Chief
May 20, 2024
The Senior Edition: 2024

The Senior Edition: 2024

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Editor-in-Chief
May 10, 2024
Jake Thomson has been playing club baseball since he was 7 years old. "I was lucky enough to play for the same travel team for my childhood. I played for Majestic baseball from the time I was 7-15," Thomson said.

Jake Thomson continues his baseball career

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Editor-In-Cheif
March 20, 2024
Nate Gentzel(12), Canon Feist(12), and Jake Thomson are ready for baseball season to begin and have have high hopes for their senior season. "I’m proud of the work that everyone has put in this offseason to get to where we are now, and I really feel like this team will be something special," Thomson said.

Spring Sports Preview: Boys Baseball

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Editor-in-Chief
February 23, 2024
Thomson and the 2023-2024 school year office aides celebrate Thomson's last day with dips and cake at the end of the day.

Breaking News: Thomson enjoys her final days at MSHS

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Editor-In-Cheif
February 8, 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
NHS executive board was awarded the Eliza Pickrell Routt award. Members of the executive board got a certificate and the society got a plaque to present.

NHS wins the Eliza Pickrell Routt Award

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Editor In Chief
December 11, 2023
Kate Johnson(12), Liz Johnson(12), McKesson Rhodes(12), and Cassidy Blechmen(12) after tryouts on Nov. 16.

Winter Sports Preview: Girls Basketball

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Editor-In-Cheif
November 17, 2023
Kate Johnson and Nate Gentzel(12) practice point after touchdown attempts at the end of practice.

Kate Johnson breaks barriers as a female football kicker

Makenzi VerVaecke, Editor In Chief
October 24, 2023
Student Council also plans many things besides Homecoming, like all the back to school activities.

[Photo] Inside StuCo: Homecoming week

Krissy Stout, Junior Reporter
October 6, 2023
NHS member Brenna Cote goes to senior advisories on Friday Sept. 29 in attempt to get the last missing seniors to pre-register.

NHS pre-registers students to vote

Makenzi VerVaecke, Editor-in-Cheif
October 3, 2023
Mustang football captains for the 2023-2024 season are Nate Gentzel (12), Braydn Dowling (12) and Logan Moore (11).

Fall Sports Preview: Football

Makenzi VerVaecke and Kaleb Cervantes
September 6, 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
The team talks about the beginning of the game during halftime while Mack helps by giving advice for the next half.

Manitou girls soccer makes history

Makenzi VerVaecke, Senior Reporter
May 24, 2023
Gardner coached a state winning track team in 1993.

Gardner’s career at MSHS

Makenzi VerVaecke, Senior Reporter
May 3, 2023
Jessica Moen ramps up the excitement for session four of Teen Mental Health First Aid during Advisory in her classroom.

Sophomores learn mental health first aid for teens 

Makenzi VerVaecke, Senior Reporter
March 24, 2023
Madrid Mack (12), Cassidy Kuzbek (12), Grace McCumber (12), Payten Smith (12), Elanor Fugate (12) and Erica Sherwin (12) are all excited to play and finish their high school soccer careers with a bang.

Spring Sports Preview: Girls’ Soccer

Makenzi VerVaecke, Senior Reporter
February 24, 2023
The basketball game theme will be "Ties" to honor Erik Melgoza because he wore ties everyday.

Mustang Basketball to donate Friday’s door fees

Makenzi VerVaecke, Senior Reporter
January 12, 2023
FCA members Kate Johnson (11) and Hailey Troxel l(11) want you to join the new MSHS club FCA.

New FCA club at MSHS

Makenzi VerVaecke, Senior Reporter
January 10, 2023
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.

2022 Winter Sports Preview: Girls’ Basketball

Makenzi VerVaecke, Reporter
November 8, 2022
Musical chairs competitors get serious about victory!

MSHS brings back the homecoming pep rally

Makenzi VerVaecke, Reporter
October 6, 2022
Key Club members volunteer for the Pikes Peak Marathon by making helpful signs.

Key Club serves Manitou Springs community

Halli Frost and Makenzi VerVaecke
September 20, 2022
Zach Brown plays Kill Doctor Lucky with junior Lilly Noon at Game Con 2022. Brown co-sponsored Game Club with Mr. Gillard this year.

Zach Brown: Science

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Junior Reporter
May 23, 2022
C Team basketball coach Gabby Santos tapes Tori Greene's (9) ankle before practice. This is a job Nunley used to do.

Nunley’s absence felt by student athletes

MaKenzi VerVaecke, Junior Reporter
February 28, 2022
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MaKenzi VerVaecke