The Senior Edition: 2025

MSHS stadium named for beloved coach George Rykovich By: MaKenzi VerVaecke The Manitou Springs School District renamed their stadium after former high school football coach and P.E. teacher, George Rykovich on Oct. 11. Rykovich was the head football coach at MSHS for 36 years with 222 wins and two state championships in 1987 and 1990.

named after you,” Jones said.

“So we had to get past that policy. Every superintendent that we had wanted to do it; but they didn’t want to put the effort into it, or really make it a proposal to the board.”

Progress was finally made to rename the field after RykovThe process of getting the ich because of journalist Dan MaKenzi VerVaecke field renamed after Rykovich Mohrmann’s articles over To commemorate the field being renamed after Rykovich he was has been a long term project the years. “He’s kept that bug awarded a plaque and there is a new sign underneath the scoreaccording to Athletic and going with the district,” Jones board.

Activities Director, Cameron said. and be able to talk with coach said. “It just shows he’s a guy Jones. “The conversation over Rykovich. There was also a that did it the right way.” the years about the stadium However, current MSSD ceremony held during halfwas that it should be his staSuperintendent Sean Dorsey time. “We were just looking The Manitou Springs football dium,” Jones said. “I mean, he was the first person to take forward to a good night, and team has continued to try put so much time in here and the issue to the board. “Sean years and years of impacting Dorsey he really took the bull we had a good turnout,” Jones and uphold Rykovich’s legasaid. “I think it’s long overcy both on and off the field. due.”

“This week that we’re honoring him, is a week that we’re Current assistant football actually looking to install coach and MSHS P.E. teacher the single wing offense that Brandon DeMatto has known he brought to Manitou and Rykovich since 2012 and is had a ton of success with,” grateful that he is being recDeMatto said. “So it’s kind ognized for his commitment. of interesting and pretty cool “I think he’s a man that has that we are in need of making given so much to this comsome adjustments and what munity and had so much suc- he brought to Manitou over cess here and just in helping 40 years ago still is applicable build the culture around here and is going to be what we run a little bit this week and

MaKenzi VerVaecke and the success that we’ve had, he’s a wonderful man, ” moving forward.”

During halftime on Oct. 11 there were speeches about Rykovich DeMatto said. “It’s the right and his time at MSHS. thing to do for a man that’s Rykovich is not only well pretty much given his life to known for his football career kids in a positive way. He’s by the horns and created a this district.” in Manitou, but all over the well known as being a really survey that went out to the state of Colorado. “The one good person, not just a good community and had overRenaming the field after thing that I’ve always clung coach.” whelming support for namRykovich has brought peron to is anytime a coach asks ing it. He presented it to the about Manitou football when The decision was a long proboard and they were totally in spective to the impact that many people have in the diswe’re talking on the sidelines cess due to a Manitou Springs favor of this one time exceptrict according to DeMatto. before games, coaches are School District school board tion to override the policy.”

“From a personal perspective, always like, ‘How’s coach policy that had to be petiit just gives more meaning to Ryko doing?’ So he’s a memtioned against in order to To commemorate the field every time that you step on ber that extends well beyond dedicate a part of the school being renamed there was a that field, because he’s just an just Manitou,” DeMatto said. after someone. “Board poltailgate held before the game unbelievable person, and he’s “It’s in the state of Coloraicy said you had to be dead on Oct. 11 for members of done so much for so many do, he’s well known and well before something could be the community to come to different people.” DeMatto regarded by a lot of people

that have had a lot of success, and it’s just pretty cool to hear his name keep continuing to come up even years after he’s been done coaching.”

DeMatto is excited for the field to finally be named after Rykovich. “I’m just thankful to the district for getting this right and honoring him. He’s getting older and I think it’s

really important for him to be able to be there when we name the field,” DeMatto said.

“He loves this place and lov es Manitou in particular so it means a great deal.”

Former NFL and MSHS football player Justin Armour played for Rykovich in his time at MSHS and learned valuable lessons that have

stayed with him. “I think I can speak for the whole community when I say how thrilled I am to see George honored in front of so many people that he impacted.

Ryko made you believe in something bigger than yourself, the team, and he had a special way of inspiring us before games,” Armour said.

“He shared so many person-

al stories with us about his family members, and when it came to pre game speeches, nobody did it better. He would muster up this intensity and passion to play for each other, in this moment, together, and to leave it all on the field.”

Logan Moore committed to Dordt University By: MaKenzi VerVaecke and Jarrin Hall Senior Logan Moore has officially announced his commitment to play NAIA Division 2 football at Dordt University.

Moore has been able to achieve this through his commitment to practice, school and nutrition. “There’s gonna be road bumps, but you just keep pushing every single day and do what’s best, and know that things might not always be perfect,” Moore said. “You’re always still doing what you know is right and doing what you know you should be doing to stay committed.”

at the next level. “To get to play at the next level, and get help to pay for it just means so much for me,” Moore said.

“So it’s always been a dream for me.”

Moore chose to commit to Dordt University because of the football environment, but also because of their Christian representation at the school. “They’re a Christian college, so I’ll be able to practice my faith,” Moore MaKenzi VerVaecke said. “When you walk into Logan Moore has committed to Dordt University to play footthat campus, you can just ball. tell they’re different because a doctor. “They have very they’re buying into what the Assistant football coach, good teachers and it’s kind of program is about and the Brandon DeMatto, has cool because their classes are Moore has been playing foot- amount of attention and care watched the commitment and small, just like Manitou, so I ball since the sixth grade and they show you, you can tell development that Moore has know I’m gonna get that supalways had the dream to play where you’re going.” put in to be able to play at the port that I need for these hard next level. “I’m ecstatic for classes that I’ll be taking,” Head football coach him. He’s a kid that has just Moore said. “And it’s a private Stuart Jeck has seen invested so much time on his university so you know you’re the hard work and own into his own personal gonna get a good education.” commitment that development, but he’s also Moore has put into invested a ton into the devel- Quarterback Ben Perkins achieving this goal. opment of all the other kids (12) has seen the work that “His commitment around him,” DeMatto said.

Moore has put in to achieve to excellence, both “I’m excited for him, because this goal and wishes him luck. in the weight room he absolutely deserves an “I’m tremendously proud of and on the field and opportunity to play at the him. I mean, he’s worked ever the academic world next level, given as much as since I’ve known him; and has got him to where he’s committed to this school I’ve known him since we were he is,” Jeck said. “He and to his teammates and to little,” Perkins said. “I mean commits himself himself.” he’s worked every single day, fully to every single as hard as he can, to get to aspect it takes to be a Moore plans to go into a this point.”

TJay Davis well-rounded human pre-med program while at being.”

Dordt with plans to become Logan Moore runs the football.

Bunker makes sparks fly By: Krissy Stout

While most seniors are sitting at desks from 8:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., you can find Kyan Bunker, sending sparks flying while welding. Bunker, a senior at Manitou Springs High School, takes part in the new Blended Learning Program at MSHS to give him the time he needs to begin his future career in welding.

Bunker likes that there are many jobs available for his career, and he can really go almost anywhere and have a job. “There’s a lot of opportunities. It’s not just focused in one area,” Bunker said.

Bunker grew up around people who went to trade schools or straight into the workforce.

“I feel like, as long as you have motivation, you could really do anything,” Bunker said.

Although Bunker never planned to weld, he found his passion for welding through his job at Royal Welding. He knew he was going to go into trade school. “My boss really helped me get into welding,” Bunker said.

He has been around welding his entire life. “My cousins weld too. They’re on the pipeline out in Oregon,” Bunker said.

To help with his adjustment to working everyday at his job, Bunker is a part of the Blended Learning Program, a new program where stu-

dents come to school for half the week until lunch and then go to do their jobs. “I go to work until 5:00, and on Thursday and Friday, I work from 7:30 to 5:00,” Bunker said.

Krissy Stout Bunker primarily On Nov.15 Kyan Bunker welds a hitch together at his job Royal Welding. wants to stay in Colorado but has also wants to someday start a ing. “It’s been really cool just had other opportunities arise family. His plan is to get out to see him grow up in that cafor when he graduates. “My there and live. “Just go with pacity,” Gilliam said. “I know boss talked about moving me the flow,” Bunker said. he’s going to do great things.” out to Alaska after I graduate to a pipeline out there,” BunBen Gilliam, the Blended Kaden Bunker, Kyan Bunker’s ker said.

Learning Program advisor, little brother, believes that he thinks Bunker will continue is working hard for his future.

Bunker has also learned to improve and work hard.

“He has become mature and about certain personal pro“I’ve seen how motivated he is is working hard on his school tection that is used, and why to finish high school, so that work to become a good it’s important. “If you’re weld- he can pursue his career as a adult,” he said. ing on galvanized, and you welder,” Gilliam said. breathe that in, it’ll trick your Kaden Bunker feels that brain into thinking it’s a flu, While still being as supportone way he can support his and it will kill you,” Bunker ive as possible, Gillam bebrother right now is through said. “That’s why you have to lieves he is already so motiencouragement. “He has a wear respirators.” vated to pursue welding that good work ethic, and he loves he doesn’t need a whole lot of being a welder,” he said.

Many people have been help. “I see that my role is to thinking about how AI could help him make sure that he Kyan Bunker has also found potentially have an effect on graduates from high school,” creativity through welding, their livelihood in the future. he said. by making gifts for people Fortunately for Bunker, he in his life, such as his mom. doesn’t find that AI could Gilliam likes the idea that the “He made a flower out of flat have a potential threat to his Blended Learning Program is washers and he is good at it,” job, instead he actually beindependent, seeing as they Kaden Bunker said. lieves it can help him. “AI can are only on campus three help with designing projects, mornings a week. “The rest Kaden Bunker thinks that but it can’t put it all together of the time they’re out in the this is the right path for his like a person could,” Bunker community, ideally working,” brother and he’s going to said.

Gilliam said. make a career out of it. “I think it is great for him and Bunker not only wants to be- Gilliam has been seeing him I think he has a great future come a successful welder but mature and focus on graduat- with it,” he said.

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Always been a Mustang By: Halli Leonhardt

Students that have been a part of the District 14 schools since pre-K/Kindergarten now stand as the class of 2025 seniors. Over their years spent at Manitou, the class of 2025 has built strong engagement with the activities and sports at Manitou, each student finding their own way to be involved.

Together, they have faced the challenges of each level of education, as well as shared important moments that will stay with them throughout their journey as they move on to the next chapter of their lives. The Mustangs who started in pre-K are Chloe Cuddihy, Devon Harris, AJ Jackson, Coy Prince, Madi Sharon, Nici Sharon, Will Wickes, Spike Wright, Kolten Wupper and Linnea Zak-Moore. The Mustangs who started in Kindergarten are Spencer Aldridge, Brenna Cote, Brenner Gauvin, Maddox Gonzalez, Ava Huffman, Avery Jacobsen, Adam Krych, Annika Kuzbek, Heather Larsen, Hunter Larsen, Ashur Lavigne, Braden Legarski, Liam Linster, Patrick Mead-Clark, Logan Moore, Julian Nanfito, Ashlynn Oriet, Ben Perkins and Preston Rhodes.

Manitou students win the Coffin Races through Key Club By: Marisa Fonkert

On Oct. 26, four MSHS students participated in and won the Manitou Springs annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races. The four students, Fenn Loftin (12), Logan Moore (12), Preston Rhodes (12), and Ethan Traenkle (12), participated through the school’s Key Club. Kiwanis, which is a part of a global network of clubs and members who partner with each other and with organizations, is what made it possible for the students to participate through the MSHS Key Club.

Last year, Kiwanis built a coffin for the Manitou Coffin Races and asked the MSHS Key Club for volunteers.

There were only three volunteers last year because students had to be 18 to participate, but they were able to place 9th in the race. Kiwanis wanted to participate again this year with the coffin they had already, and they were able to find the total four students to volunteer around mid September. Fenn Loftin, one of the volunteers had previously already been planning on participating with family, but ultimately participated through the school.

“I wanted to do it already with my family,” Loftin said.

“We were planning on trying to make a coffin this year and doing it, but never got around to it. So I was like, sure, that would be fun.”

After the participants had been found, there was very little preparation needed for the races. All that was needed was for the costumes to be picked and for the coffin to be checked. Mary Stapleton, a

member of Kiwanis and the participant in the coffin, found the costumes and made sure they fit the students. Their costumes were the guards from “Alice in Wonderland”.

“People would filter by, and they would Kaleb Cervantes talk about it. They Ethan Traenkle (12), Fennegan Loftin (12), Preston Rhodes (12), Logan all recognized our Moore (12). Pose with the Kiwanis Club coffin at the Coffin races. team based off their er the winner of the Coffin the winners by default. The costumes, and they thought Races is determined by the students then went on to race the costumes were some of measured amount of time it the winners of the Frozen the best costumes,” Mike takes to finish the race. The Dead Guy Races from Estes Talbott, MSHS teacher and student’s time with costumes Park. The students won this Key Club adviser, said. “They on was 27.7 seconds, which race as well with a time of weren’t real Halloweenish, or was about 14 miles per hour.

26.9 seconds. scary, like some people are dressed as zombies and mum“We were just all a bit ner“It was just awesome,” said mies and stuff like that.” vous because we hadn’t even Loftin. “We didn’t expect to run the coffin before or tested get first.”

On the day of the Coffin it. We just kind of all went Races, the students met up into four spots on the coffin Talbott says that participating in Manitou at around nine and were ready to go,” Loftin in and winning the Coffin thirty. They got their coffin said. “We just started pushRaces is a great thing for safety checked, received their ing pretty much full force as MSHS students to say they numbers, attended safety hard as we could, because we have done. meetings, and headed down decided before that it wasn’t to their spot with the other that long and we wouldn’t “If you’re from Manitou, contestants while they waited have to pace ourselves. So we and you think, what are the for the parade to begin. just decided to go full force things you would want to the whole time.” win that are Manitou things?

“We got free Celsius, snacks This would be one of them,” and stuff from the people at The students were in first Talbott said. “The marathon the festival. And just waited place after their race, until and the fruit cake throwing there for a while,” Loftin said. the “Troublemakers” tied contest might be other ones, “And then there was a safety with them at 27.7 seconds. but those are things that are meeting where one person In order to break the tie, the unique to Manitou. These from each team had to go two teams would have to race four young men have won, over all the rules, which we against each other. and they can always say that already knew. You had to no matter if they stay here for have three people touching “I didn’t want to race,” Lofitn the rest of their life, or they the cart at all times, and then said. “We thought that was it. move away. They still can you couldn’t pass over the We were all dead.” come back and go, I was a middle line.” champion.”

When the two teams were The length of the race was supposed to race to find a Rhodes, one of the partic195 yards, and the students’ winner, the “Troublemakers” ipants, says that this was a team raced 33rd. Two teams never showed up. This meant great way for students to get would race at a time, howevthat the MSHS students were involved in the community.

Students gain life experience with part-time jobs By: Kaleb Cervantes and Elliot Mettler High school presents a lot of opportunities for students. One opportunity that is available is the chance to work while being able to go to school.

The ability to earn money helps give students a sense of freedom and responsibility which helps them prepare for adulthood. “I don’t have to rely on my parents for food and gas all the time now. If I want to go out and do something I can just go out and do it,” Landon Foster (12) said.

“I’m more self-reliant now that I have my own stream of income.”

The jobs that high schoolers can get help open up the opportunity to gain valuable skills that can be used outside of their jobs. “I learned how to work under pressure, especially on tests. I’ve become a better test taker, working through rushes at work, when things get really, really stressful,” Shaena Vigil (12) said.

“I’ve learned to calm down during rushes, and they are less panicky for me. I can apply that to the test because now I can just calm down before a test, and I tend to do better.”

In addition to practical skills, students also gain social skills that help them in many as-

pects of life. Learning how to interact with others professionally early on can help students prepare for their future careers. “I think of time management and communication, being able to talk to adults, and that kind of stuff has really helped,” Foster said.

While there are many advantages to having a part-time job while in school, there Elliot Mettler are also many disadvantages students might face. “It can be Student Landon Foster (12) makes a pizza for his job at Savelli’s. stressful, as sometimes there Savelli’s hires many Manitou Springs High School students.

I prioritize my schoolwork a job with flexibility. “Find are moments where I’m kind when I’m not working.” a job in which your boss is of like, ‘oh, geez, man. That going to be flexible with your is harsh or even hard to do, Students with jobs also learn schedule, so that way, you are because I work at the pool, the importance of planning still able to have a social life and that can be a really stressahead.“I just try to do the and be a teenager and do that ful job on some occasions, ” work before it’s due, you kind of stuff but also have a Jameson Cunningham (12) said. “Even if it wasn’t a super know, not procrastinating and job and your own stream of doing it the night before. Inincome,” Foster said. busy day, if it was a stressful stead, I do it before I have to one, when I get home, I feel Working in high school can too tired to do any homework work so that way I’m getting provide students with inor anything like that. So it can stuff in on time,” Foster said. dependence, life skills and impact school work.”

Despite the challenges that an introduction to money come with having a job, many management. While working One important skill that students find it to be reward- in school does come with its having a job while in high ing. “Find one that’s decent— own challenges, like responsischool can teach you is how whether it’s minimum wage bilities and time management to balance both your work struggles, students often find and social life. “On the nights or higher—just find a job that you’re comfortable with, ” it as a beneficial learning that I have off, I try to focus experience. By learning how on school work before I focus Cunningham said. “If you don’t like it after a few weeks, to balance their personal lives on my friends,” Vigil said. don’t be afraid to move on.” and work lives, students gain “Sometimes it doesn’t always important experiences that happen, but for the most part, In addition, students should will help prepare them for I can keep my grades good take into account finding life. while still working, because

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Mike Talbott makes an impact on MSHS By: Marisa Fonkert

Mike Talbott, a math teacher at MSHS, is retiring after the 2024/2025 school year following his 11 years of teaching at the school.

Before starting his teaching career at MSHS, Talbott took online education courses in order to obtain his teaching certificate. After completing those courses, Talbott student taught at MSHS in 2014 for a math class. “I sat in all those classes every day,” Talbott said. “I was only required to come five hours a week, but I came in every day, all day long.”

After his role of student teaching, a position opened up for a math teacher at MSHS, marking the start of Talbott’s teaching career at the school. “The teacher at the time said that she was going to quit and she was going to teach International Baccalaureate in Japan to Japanese students,” Talbott said. “So that opened a position, and I said I was interested and got the job.”

Since then and throughout his 11 years at MSHS, Talbott has taught many classes which include, Pre-algebra, Trigonometry, Algebra I, calculus, Algebra II, Algebra II Honors, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics, and a Success Skills class.

He says that his Calculus AB class has been one of his favorites to teach. “I always enjoyed my Calculus AB course the most, partially because I felt most comfortable teaching that, because I taught that in college for a few years. But it’s also the students,” Talbott

said. “The students that come in there are very good mathematically, even the weakest students in that class are still above average, and they’re motivated. They generally are good students, not all, but most generally.”

Talbott’s other favorite classes to teach were AP Physics and Trigonometry. He enjoyed physics because of how students get to apply mathe Marisa Fonkert matics. “Seeing kids actually Mike Talbott is retiring after being part of the MSHS community apply mathematics to physics since 2014. problems is the closest thing thirty years, which he says Some things from Talbott’s we have had to engineering he enjoyed. “At West Point, previous careers that he has here at the school,” Talbott there’s a commitment of five implemented into his teachsaid. “I’ve got my undergrad- years. You have to stay in the ing here at MSHS are his fast uate and graduate degrees in military for five years,” Talgrading style and boards, an engineering, so I’ve always bott said, “I thought that was activity in his class that gives enjoyed that one too.” going to feel like each hour students the opportunity to And while Talbott specifically liked physics due to the application seen in math, he enjoyed Pre-algebra specifically because of the students.

“They are the salt of the earth kind of kids,” Talbott said.

“Many of them have a lot of challenges in their life. It’s not just mathematics. They were always interesting because of their backgrounds and the struggles they have outside of the classroom, and it’s always enjoyable to see them learn something against all the hardships they’re dealing with. For the most part, not all of them are experiencing hardships, but the majority do, and so that was always interesting.”

Previous to becoming a teacher at MSHS, Talbott attended the United States Military Academy West Point and taught there for three years.

Following that, he moved on to work in the military for

was five years, but I enjoyed the military so much.”

solve problems and present their thinking, which is something Talbott acquired from After leaving the military, Tal- West Point. “Boards help you bott wanted to start teaching. speak in public and verbalize “My duty to honor the counwhat you’re thinking about, try that was instilled in me a and it helps everybody underlong time ago was to come in stand,” Talbott said. and teach young people and hopefully prepare them better Some advice that Talbott says to be adults and be successhe would leave for students ful in life. So that was why I and teachers is to establish started to teach,” Talbott said. standards, make them very “I knew that I could have clear, and hold to them. He something to offer, but I also also highlights the imporknew that teaching was going tance of being very organized to keep me abreast of what and grading papers faster. life was still about from a “Grading work is a vehicle for young person’s perspective.” communication back to the student,” Talbott said. “It’s not Talbott says that he was spejust to check the block or get cifically drawn to MSHS bea good grade. It’s that vehicause of the students and the cle for feedback. And I don’t small town atmosphere. “The think most of the teachers kids are just so good, even the understand that. They just see kids that aren’t good stuit as a requirement.” dents,” Talbott said. “It’s still in their heart. I think they’re Talbott’s post retirement still good kids and that’s what plans include doing lots of drew me here.” volunteer work including one at the Rocky Mountain Youth

Leadership Program and coming back to the school to do scoreboards for various sports and to see students.

“I think once this year’s freshmen graduate, I probably won’t be as interested in doing that kind of thing,” Talbott said. “I just want to see the kids I’ve seen in the classroom and watch them as they mature through high school.”

His plans also include a lot of traveling to places like Moab, Hawaii, a golfing trip, a cruise, and then Disney World. “I gotta manage that with the time that I give for volunteering, which I don’t have any problems with,” Talbott said. “I volunteer all the time, but I don’t want to overload my plate, so I can’t fade into the sunset gracefully.”

Ace Fridman (11) has had Talbott as her teacher for

the past two years and has taken his Calculus AB and BC classes as well as being a teacher’s assistant for his current Calculus AB class. She says she feels disappointed that Talbott is leaving because of his teaching abilities and how that affects other students. “I’m kind of disappointed also for everyone else in the school,” Fridman said.

“Mr. Talbott just knows how to teach and he understands the intricacies. I just feel like he’s the teacher whose lectures have always made the most sense, and I’m a little disappointed that my sister and other future students won’t get that.”

Fridman also says that she not only thinks the math department will be greatly affected, but also sports and activities throughout the school. “I think unfortunately, we’ll lose one of our great-

est supporters in sports and activities, and I think Key Club, which also organizes a good portion of our school activities, will also take a big hit,” Fridman said. “I also feel like the math department as a whole will take a hit, because this is the third year in a row we’ve lost one of our longer time teachers.”

lowing up with tutoring.”

Anna Conrad, MSHS’s principal of three years, believes that Talbott has had a great impact on students at the school. “I think that Talbott has had a monumental impact on students, families as well as staff members, and I think that that is encapsulated in his leadership within the math department,” Conrad said. “He’s also one of the most accessible teachers in terms of providing time for kids to come in before or after school, during lunch, during his planning period and fol-

After 11 years at MSHS, Talbott says one of the things that make this school unique is the students, and he says that through his teaching he has learned many things from them. “One of the biggest things I learned here was not so much about teaching, but what is healthy and beneficial to young people,” Talbott said.

“People care about each other, and they’re there to help each other and support each other.”

Conrad also says that he has done a great job working with the math department and building leadership. “He is really diligent around creating alignment across classes and really being thoughtful that we are growing as educators as well,” Conrad said.

Brian Brown leaves a 22 year legacy at MSHS By: Kaleb Cervantes After 38 years of teaching, history teacher and social studies department head, William Brown, announced he will be retiring at the end of the school year.

Brown has been a teacher for over 3 decades, and 22 of those years have been at MSHS. “I’ve been contemplating retirement for probably three years, been looking at it,” Brown said. “Each year it was one of those. I don’t want to end on that note. You know, coming out of COVID, I didn’t want to end coming out of COVID. I wanted to end on a good year, more than anything else.”

Brown originally started to teach as a way to stay involved with coaching which he started to do while in school. “It really wasn’t about the classroom, it was more about being on the field, being on the court, that type of thing and that’s what got me into education at first,” Brown said.

Being the current head of the social studies department, and a history teacher for over two decades, Brown has not only helped educate both current and former students, but he has helped prepare them for their future after high school. “When you give 40 years of your life in the service of other people’s children and helping them achieve their dreams, that selflessness is something to be celebrated,” Executive Director of Secondary Schools, Kolleen Johnson said.

For Brown, teaching is not just about teaching students

the curriculum, but helping them prepare for life. “I would hope that the students know my first obligation was to educate them, to impart knowledge, and to try and have fun in the classroom as much as possible,” he said.

Brown’s teaching style has changed throughout the Amanda Kerrigan years. “When I first started Brian Brown questions his class about the geographical comteaching, I was 22 years old, monalities of America’s major cities. This is Brown’s last year at and I was teaching mostly se- MSHS after 22 years. niors who were 18. I was like a social studies teacher and MSHS, the legacy that he has a brother to them,” Brown mentee of Brown, remembers left on the school will influsaid. “Eventually, you become a time where a former student ence people for years to come. kind of like the uncle, and of Brown walked up to both “When you embrace life as then you get to the age where him and Brown while watch- being a quest for knowledge those are your kids. Now ing the baseball team’s spring and you’re curious about I’m at the stage where I’m break tournament in Arizona. what goes on in your world, the grandfather age for these “A student from 10 years ago that’s what makes your life kids.” walked up to Brown and said, fun. It makes your life enjoyBrown hasn’t only taught at Manitou in his 22 years of working here, he has also coached multiple sports. PE and health teacher, Gabby Santos, is a former student of Brown’s and goes to him for advice for coaching. “He is somebody who I’ve turned to for volleyball and basketball and all of the things in the last four years I’ve been here and really heavily in the last two since I’ve been a head coach,” Santos said. “He’s got 40 years of experience with all of these things and being new everything feels big and overwhelming. And with the perspective that he carries, it helps me come back to what’s most important now. And how do you take on those things one at a time instead of trying to take on the world all at once.”

Brown has had a great impact on both students past and present. Sam Duff,

‘You were the only teacher that gave me an F,’” Duff said, “but the fact that the student would still want to go up to Brown and say hello and catch up with him and hang out despite Brown giving him an F shows how much Brown cared about that kid, and how he won’t give you a free pass because he holds you accountable.”

Though Brown is retiring from teaching at the end of the year, he is not going to stop working entirely. “To me, the biggest advantage of retirement is I can do what I want when I want to do it,” he said. “I know I’m going to work part-time, but it will be where I want to work, when I want to work, and on my terms. I want to travel as much as I possibly can and spend as much time with my grandkids as I possibly can.”

While Brown’s retirement marks the end of an era for

able,” he said.

The impact that Brown has had on the students and staff here at MSHS is massive, and he will be greatly missed. The staff and students will forever be grateful for all that he has done for the school in his 22 years of teaching.

Everyone who knows Brown knows that he will always have a word of advice. “Embrace the day as a joyous event. If you wake up in the morning and you dread going to school, you dread going to your job, that’s not going to be a good life,” Brown said.

“You have gotta simply say it’s a new start. It’s a new beginning. Yesterday’s done. Can’t do anything about it. Let’s go see what today is going to give me.”

Advice from Class of 2025 Advisors

Stop worrying about what people think of you. Most people don’t think about you as much as you think they do.

-Mr. Williams

n the busyness of life, don’t forget to lean into joy. Life is short, so find your people and what brings you happiness, and live there.

-Mrs. Kerrigan

You don’t need to be the smartest in the room. You need to be the one who keeps asking why when it matters most.

-Mr. Partridge

My advice to seniors is to set a 5 to 10 year plan for yourself. Things like any additional education, possible jobs or profession, possibility of family, where you want to live and/or work, travel aspirations, bucket list goals, ect. You need to set goals in order to set yourself a trajectory for your life. It’s not supposed to be written in stone. In fact, you should update every New Year vice setting resolution that dies by February 1st. Balance work, time with friends and family, and fun activities, so you can remain productive, have fun, and maintain a support network for the good and bad times. Save for a rainy day and retirement. I know retirement is a long way off. But retirement will even further you in your future if you don’t start a savings plan as soon as you can.

Finally, maintain a good sense of humor. That sense of humor will help you deal with life’s challenges.

-Mr. Talbott

You will always have the support of those who have accompanied you throughout your educational journey, so live fearlessly in a world full of unknown. We profoundly believe in you and know you will do great things!

-Mr. Duff

As you step into this next chapter, remember that your journey is uniquely yours — don’t measure your progress against anyone else’s path. Prioritize your dreams, take care of your well-being, and create a plan that honors your goals and the life you want to build. Stay focused, stay true to yourself, and success will follow.

-Dr. Valladares

Nici Sharon leaves her mark of determination on the girls soccer team By: Cordelia Portman The 2024-2025 girls soccer season will be the final high school season for some players, one being Nici Sharon, who has played for the varsity team at MSHS since her freshman year. Around the end of July of 2024, Nici Sharon committed to CSU Pueblo after receiving a minor athletic scholarship, and she is ready to play for four more years in her college career.

Nici Sharon and her sister Madison Sharon both played soccer as kids, and Madison Sharon believes that her sister has always loved soccer.

“She’s definitely had her fair share of trying out a bunch of different sports when we were younger,” Madison Sharon said. “We were in a little league with a bunch of other kids and she loved it, and she definitely played hard.”

Krissy Stout Nici Sharon has had multiple leg injuries in the past during her soccer career, and believes that she will make a full recovery for the girls soccer Nici Sharon’s parents have supported her in numerous ways throughout her soccer career, including building a practice space for her in their backyard, driving her to soccer camps and buying her goalie gloves. “My dad said, ‘We’re gonna build a minia-

ture soccer field in the backyard, so then you guys can practice this and improve,’ and so it kind of started off there,” Madison Sharon said.

Benjamin Mack, who has coached Nici Sharon since her freshman year, identified her competitive nature even before her freshman year, Angela French because she had attended a Nici Sharon(12) kicks a soccer ball during the girls soccer seafew practices at the end of her eighth grade year. “She son of her junior year during a game. Nici Sharon has found that played forward striker a few being goalie has grown on her over the years. ie, but rather, it developed to be out in probably three years ago, and she was really over time.

“He pushed me weeks or so, but I’m not too good. She was goal hungry,” pretty hard and he’s the whole worried about it because Mack said, “but early on in reason I’m a goalkeeper, beI’ve come back from injuries the process we realized we cause he told me as a freshbefore, and it’s just mentality,” really needed a goalkeeper. man that he needed one,” Nici Nici Sharon said.

After she graduates, we hope Sharon said, “I told Mack to develop the right kind of every day that I didn’t want to Nici Sharon hopes to get player who’s going to be able do it, and that he needed to playing time as a goalkeeper. to really take advantage of find someone else, but at the Playing time is different for a that role and play well for us goalkeeper because they don’t and overall she worked really end of my sophomore year, after we went to state I decidsub out frequently like field hard with it.” ed that I actually liked it. He players. kind of pushed me to do that, Mack believes that she has alNici Sharon is excited to ways had a competitive spirit, and I wouldn’t have been a goalkeeper if he hadn’t.” become close with her new but because of her deeper teammates at CSU Pueblo. understanding of soccer that “I’m really excited to meet she has developed from years Nici Sharon recently tore her MCL, which is a compeople and actually have an of experience, she can better mon knee injury that is often exact group to spend time direct that competitiveness treated without surgery and with,” Nici Sharon said, “I into different parts of the typically can be recovered in won’t have to try and go make game. “She really, really wants between 3-4 weeks in somefriends because I’ll have this to win,” Mack said, “which what mild cases.

Because of one group of teammates with is great, you know, you need this injury, she did have to similar goals in life and stuff.” all kinds of players to help quit club soccer recently, with balance your team, but you hopes to give her knee a rest.

Mack believes that this is a certainly need that killer good opportunity for Nici instinct, that killer drive, and “I’ve been lucky enough to not have to miss a high school Sharon. “We’re gonna miss Nici definitely has that. She’s season,” Nici Sharon said, her and I wish her the best,” willing to sacrifice her body “but I have missed three of Mack said, “I played at CSU in big moments where she my four club seasons, unforPueblo, way back in the day, needs to come out and just tunately, because I’m on my and that’s where my oldest slide at somebody’s feet and third knee surgery. ” daughter played as well. It’s not be afraid ever. She’ll really a really good program, and put herself on the line to help Although she is injured, Nici it’s high level so I think it’s a her team in that way.”

Sharon is certain that she will wonderful opportunity for recover fully in time for the her.”

Nici Sharon did not always girls season.

“I’m supposed have a passion for being goal-

The role of art in our community: It tells a story By: Halli Leonhardt and Madison Sharon Independent study students at Manitou Springs High School create lasting memories with their creative artistic endeavors. The program for independent study is an opportunity for students who are passionate about a specific medium of artistic expression to pursue it in a guided approach. Students must be in 11th grade or above to apply, with high school credits that set the student on track for graduation. The process of selection is geared towards students who display discipline and enthusiasm for their art at a postsecondary level.

One of the two independent study advisors is Paul Bonner. In Bonner’s independent study class, he strives to create an environment for his students to push their artistic boundaries. “I try to challenge them to explore new mediums, new styles, to not be afraid to make mistakes and not get so caught up in the finished product,” Bonner said.

Advisors work together with their students to create a curriculum that meets the focus of medium while expanding the students’ skillset.

“We look for someone who’s self-motivated and wants to explore a particular art medium further than what they got in the regular classroom,” Bonner said.

Bonner’s independent study student, Tori Greene(12) is focused on photography and videography as her medium of expression. “My focus is to explore that hobby more, and my goal this year is to capture the human emotion aspect of

things, especially within the senior class in our last year,” Greene said.

Greene is working on capturing candid and raw photos that convey a story through the display of emotion. “I want to do either a video or a portfolio of photos from this year,” Greene said.

“Something that seniors can look back on by the end of the year and remember at that moment Madison Sharon how happy, excited, or Tori Greene (12) poses for a photo with one of her photos that she sad they were.” took of people from the street. his independent study class Greene has been interested in Blasi takes advantage of the time in his photography class to grow his art portfolio as photography for a long time. well as expand on the style of “When I was really young my to practice and expand his his paintings. “I’m trying to grandparents’ neighbor intro- skills, trying to convey the natural feelings of moments. round out a style for myself duced me to a camera, and I “I’m looking forward to takright now with my portrainever went back.” ing candids in class because I ture and developing of pieces, think that candid photograwhile trying to develop setArt students who are not phy is a cool way to capture tings specifically for illustrattaking the independent ed story pieces,” Pickett said. study avenue also share in an genuine moments without things being staged, I think it unfleeting passion for the art kind of represents a scene and He has recently been taking of photography. “I just think inspiration from different that what makes a good pho- authenticity without people posing,” he said. sources to give a different feel tograph is trying to convey to his paintings. “I’ve been meaning with what you’re The second independent trying to take inspiration taking a picture of, and not study advisor at MSHS is from my own photography. just taking a random snapErin Gocinski.

Gocinski has Right now I’m doing a series shot of something,” photogof portraits based on photos raphy student, Kyle Blasi(11), a total of three independent studies this year. She tries to I’ve taken of people,” Pickett said. have a space for exploration said. “I’m also taking a lot of with her students, allowing medieval Romanticism eleBlasi has had an interest in them to take control of their ments and trying to put them photography and filmmaking curriculum and build upon into my art.” for a long time and wants themselves. “I also emphasize to pursue it as a career. “I’ve been making YouTube videos the need for practice in order As students grow in their to improve,” Gocinski said. “I artwork, advisors hope that since I was a little kid, and I work at GreenBox Arts up in encourage them to be patient they are finding satisfaction and kind to themselves as in their creativity. “There is Green Mountain Falls. I just they continue on their path a sense of freedom when I like being part of a team and and grow to become a better am being creative,” Gocinski getting to produce things and said. “I love the experience be creative with other people. artist.” of becoming absorbed in my I think that’s really special,” One of Gocinski’s students, art, and forgetting about the Blasi said.

Quinn Pickett (12), is using world for a few hours.”

Senior Artwork

Manitou Mountain Monsters kick off their season By: Naomi Porter

The Manitou Mountain Monsters began the 20242025 season strong at their first race on Saturday, Aug 24.

The team raced in the Cloud City Challenge in Leadville, Colorado.

The team is run by volunteer coaches who dedicate their own time to helping the athletes succeed. They are head coached by Kervin Quinones, who has been coaching the team for seven years. “I just feel like mountain biking is such a good sport,” Quinones said.

season so that they are better prepared to start practicing in July.

Pre-season practices start around mid June where the team rides Tuesday and Thursday and then, once mid July hits, the team starts to have longer Saturday rides.

“With that we get around eight hours of practice each week,” Quinones said. “And then hopefully they continue Naomi Porter to ride a little bit after that.” Cedric Ebler (12) and Devon Harris (12) smile together after

awards are announced. On Saturday, Aug. 23, the mountain bike The team has struggled with team had their first race, the Cloud City Challenge, in Leadville. not being able to go to schedBehind any sort of stress have fun and get along with uled practices due to the each other because it makes Along with being a volunteer weather. “We’ve canceled a lot there are always challenges that come from riding. Some rides and race weekends more coached team, the team also of practices,” Aldridge said. of the challenges that come enjoyable. collaborates together as one “But we still try to ride as from riding are things that team with the Palmer High much as we can.” riders cannot entirely control, The team has a cookout the School and the Coronado like the layout of a course or first night before every race High School mountain bike At their first race, the team teams. “Our community is collectively got third place for mechanical problems and in- where everyone brings somejuries, and others are self-inthing to contribute to dinner. good,” Spencer Aldridge, a se- division three of the Colora“It gives us a chance to just nior on the team, said. “It’s a do Cycling League, and some flicted. “There’s a lot of internal dialog, ” Quinones said.

“If rest and relax before racing lot of fun to meet new people riders placed higher than they from different places.” were expecting. “I feel like the you feel like you’re not riding the next day,” Ebler said. well, or you didn’t race well, or your bike is not working Quinones said, the relationwell, it can completely ruin ships that develop from the your ride, or your race.” team start from just being friends at rides and can turn Since people on the team into something that lasts know what it feels like to have even after high school racing things go wrong and to have ends. The athletes go on rides off days, they try to be uplift- together, go to bike parks, and ing and positive. The positiv- team bonding activities outity of the team helps to bring side of practice. Athletes that them together and makes ride with the team, even if it’s the harder rides a bit more for a season or so, develop

Naomi Porter bearable. “The team really lasting friendships.

Senior Devon Harris crosses the finish line at the Cloud City supports everyone of all ages Challenge. On Saturday, Aug. 24, the Manitou Mountain and skill levels,” senior CedQuinones believes that biking Monsters had their first race in Leadville, Colorado. “Bikes are ric Ebler said. “The coaches is a sport that you can encool,” Harris said. we have are very skilled and joy for even longer than just helpful. ” highschool. “I want to push The team starts out the year success of this past weekend onto these athletes that it is a with a five hundred mile and the first race was better Connectivity is something lifelong sport,” Quinones said. challenge that runs from Jan. than I was already expecting that the coaches on the team “Hopefully they continue 1 to June 30. This challenge for the whole season,” Quireally push. They feel it is to do it after they leave high is in place to encourage the nones said. important that the athletes school.” athletes to practice in the off

Halli Leonhardt starts her career as a volunteer firefighter By: Naomi Porter

Halli Leonhardt, a senior at MSHS, is a volunteer firefighter in Green Mountain Falls, and hopes to continue her career as one.

Ever since she was a kid, Leonhardt has wanted to be a firefighter. “I would run around with my little firefighter helmet,” Leonhardt said. “I always really liked fire trucks, I had the little toy figures, and I really liked to play and pretend to be a firefighter.”

Leonhardt was also inspired to go into firefighting by her dad, Shaun Leonhardt.

“My dad’s a firefighter, which I also thought was cool,” Leonhardt said. “I got to go and see a lot of things for his work. We went on rides and just hung out at the station even before I was old enough to do anything.”

Leonhardt believes that her dad’s passion for firefighting influenced her interest in it.

“The light in his eyes, like the sparkle as he’s explaining all of the tools and everything to me, and just watching him keep his crew safe, I saw the passion that he had for it, and it made me want that,” Leonhardt said.

The chief of the Cascade Fire Department, Steve Murphy, was introduced to Leonhardt

around a year ago by her dad, with hopes of getting Leonhardt a volunteering opportunity at the station.

Murphy’s first impression of Leonhardt was that she was shy and quiet, but as he got to know her, he got more familiar with her.

“She’s funny, she’s got a great sense of humor, she’s got a quick wit, and she is a hard worker,” Murphy said.

Naomi Porter Leonhardt’s training offi- Halli Leonhardt (12) stands by a fire rescue truck before training. cer, Lauren Bishop, agrees Leonhardt started her journey as a firefighter in June of last year. “I that her first impression always just kind of wanted to help,” Leonhardt said. of Leonhardt convinced Before joining the company wants to go to college for Bishop that she was quiet and on probation, Leonhardt was Biomedical Engineering and shy. required to form bonds with then the Fire Academy after. other members, and then get Although Leonhardt seemed voted on. “It was like a two “My plan after that is to go to be quiet and sweet, Bishop week period in the beginning and work at either Colorado was still worried about the where you come to training,” Springs Fire Department or level of responsibility that Leonhardt said. “I came to Monument Fire because my Leonhardt’s position required. two trainings before I got grandpa works there and “I was concerned that she was voted on; and at the trainings, my dad works there, and it not only in school, but she I would volunteer and talk to would be cool to have three had a job; and I didn’t think people, get to know them, so Leonardts in one department. she would have enough time that hopefully they would like I think that would be a nice to fulfill her duties with the me and want me to join.” little family tree,” Leonhardt fire department,” Bishop said. said.

After Leonhardt was voted After some time at the staon, she was assigned a trainHer training officer is contion, Bishop discovered that ing officer and a probationary fident in her, especially if Leonhardt had no problem member booklet. She was she’s able to get more years of upholding her duties. “She is required to complete either experience. “I can easily see incredibly determined. She Firefighter I Interior, Wildher continuing through and makes time for not only her land, or EMT. “I did Wildland being a leader,” Bishop said, work and school responsibecause I was most interested “I am extremely proud to see bilities, but also for the fire in that,” Leonhardt said. her grow.” department,” Bishop said.

After high school, Leonhardt

Seniors saddened at missing the voting deadline for the Presidential Election By: Naomi Porter

While some high school seniors are excitedly preparing to vote in their first election this November, other seniors are feeling left out and frustrated about just barely missing the cut off.

“There is no universal day for the cut off day for age restriction on voting,” Brian Brown, the AP Government teacher said. “Each state gets to establish its own laws, governing when an individual is eligible to vote in primaries, caucuses, local elections or a general election like we have coming up.”

For a general election of the President of the United States and the US Senate and House of Representatives, you must be 18 years old by Election Day, but some states, such as Delaware and Maine, will allow you to vote in the primaries or the caucuses at 17, as long as you’ll be 18 by General Election Day. In Colorado you have to be eighteen on or before election day, which is on Nov. 5 this year.

“I’m particularly upset about not being able to vote,” Landon Foster, a senior born on Nov. 6, 2006, said. “By the time I turn eighteen, not all the votes will have been counted, so why does it matter if there’s one more vote?”

Trafford Havens, another senior born on Nov. 6, 2006, thinks that a slightly later date for cut off would make more sense. “I think you should be able to vote if you’re 18 before the time that they take office in January,” Havens said.

The 26th Amendment is the

framework for this law, saying that the “right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.” The date of the cut off for voting follows Election Day, which falls on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

Naomi Porter Azalia Quinn fills out a mock ballot. On Thursday, Oct. 24 AP Government students did a pretend election to experience what it’s like.

Brown believes that in the future there could be a chance that the law might change, but it would be difficult because it is an amendment. “If this was just a voting law that had somehow become a national law without it being an amendment, that would be pretty easy,” Brown said. “But adding or detracting an amendment to the Constitution is a pretty cumbersome and difficult process.”

Along with it being an amendment, it would be a difficult law to change because 18 to 29-year-olds are least likely to vote. “I think if the younger adults actually participated at a higher level, there would be a lot of energy to the movement,” Brown said, “but considering that they don’t, there’s no immediate push to get it lower.”

Even though they are not able to vote in this election, Havens and Foster still want to be able to have their voices heard.

Havens knows that he still has ways to make a difference, even though it may not be as

big. “I can still talk to people,” Havens said. “I can discuss topics about the election and get my opinion out there.”

Foster thinks that being able to vote would be the only way to have his voice be heard. “I feel like the presidential election is the number one way to say ‘this is how I feel about our national government, and this is how I want it to be,’” Foster said.

While he still has other opportunities to voice his opinions, Foster feels like nothing else is as efficient.

“I could sign a petition, but what are the chances that they’re actually going to listen to me?” he said.

Brown wants students to understand that there are other ways that they can get their voices heard, and there are ways that they are getting their opinions out there even if they don’t realize it. “Becoming more determined to get involved and say, “I do want to make that change” is where it really starts,” Brown said.

He encourages students to engage in conversations with their peers and in class, to engage with the student council to gain an understanding of how elections work, and see how that understanding changes how you see the general elections. “That builds practice for people saying ‘I got to participate’ and that’s where it really starts,” Brown said.

As disappointing as it may be for seniors who have barely missed this year’s cut off for the presidential election, it is important to remember that state and local elections are ways to exercise your right to vote. These midterm elections and referendums on local laws can be great ways to be involved and for you to see the immediate effects of voting.

“I’m pleased with the seniors and how receptive they’ve been to not only learning about government but the idea of actually participating in it,” Brown said.

Seniors choose to express themselves with tattoos By: Jarrin Hall

Tattoos have been getting more popular and acceptable as time has gone on and now MSHS seniors have bought into the trend.

Tattoos have not always been accepted in our culture, but in recent times more people have begun to get them and at younger ages. Senior Ben Perkins has seen tattoos become increasingly popular.

“I think tattoos are becoming more and more accessible to people, and a lot of people want them because more people are getting them,” Perkins said.

Perkins himself has a tattoo in memory of his sister. “I got a bouquet of orchids, they were the flowers at my sister’s funeral,” Perkins said.

Another senior at MSHS, Landon Foster, has deep meanings behind his tattoo.

“I got it because I’m Native American,” Foster said. “It’s a buffalo skull and it has bear paw on its forehead, my native name is ‘Bear Paw’, and then on the nose, it says bear in Cherokee.”

Jarrin Hall Kloe Roth (12) got this infinity symbol that matches with her mom. The blue butterflies represent her late grandpa.

MSHS teacher Brian Brown reflected on what tattoos he saw when he was a kid.

“People who had tattoos were military individuals, and you would see a group that would almost be the opposite, very anti-establishment, protesters, biker gang guys. It really wasn’t mainstream Americana at that time,” Brown said.

Brown mentioned how this senior class has more tattoos then he has ever seen. “I have never seen this many in any of my classes before and especially visible and the willingness to make them visible.

Other classes had them. It just wasn’t as prevalent. Maybe it was under the sleeve, maybe it was hidden by pants, whatever it might be,” Brown said.

“But I noticed in this class, a lot of people seem to have them, and they’re very visible for those who do have them.”

Not only are younger generations getting tattoos, but in a professional sense it has become more acceptable, especially for teachers. “I think it’s more acceptable, and

if you’re just talking about educators having tattoos, I do see having tattoos to be more accepted by administration, by society,” Brown said. “Education was one of those last careers where society held us to some pretty high standards in terms of how we looked, how we behaved, including outside the classroom and in the community. So I think as society has changed, teachers feel a little bit more liberal in what they can do.”

Tattoos now are a way to express yourself, while in the past they were not as accepted. “Where tattoos might have had taboo associated with them, now they’re art.

They’re personalized. There’s special meaning with the individuals who get the tattoos.

So I think that helps us, in general, accept the people and accept the whole world of tattooing,” Brown said.

While tattoos are a way of representing something you stand for, they are permanent and must be given serious consideration before getting them. “There are a lot of peo-

Jarrin Hall Kyan Bunker (12) got his grandmothers last name and his football number on his right arm. On his left arm is the date of his liver transplant and a family bible verse.

He go the bull on his hand for fun.

ple that shouldn’t get tattoos because they would get stupid tattoos,” Foster said. “I can see the point in getting a silly stupid tattoo. But then I also remember, in a couple years down the road, I’m gonna have to explain that to somebody.”

Perkins agrees that tattoos should be thought out before getting them. “Of course if you’re getting a full sleeve not everything’s gonna have meaning. But you should always, at least really put thought towards your tattoo.

It should never be a walk in, and see something on the wall and get that,” Perkins said.

Tattoos are a symbol of what people stand for and who they are. “I like the idea of how it is becoming more personal with the young students,” Brown said. “I think that’s really good for students to say this is who I am, and it sends a message. People can look at it and go, ‘Oh, that’s a belief that you have,’ and that’s just another way of communicating.”

Jarrin Hall Hayden Martinez (12) got a wolf to represent courage, strength, intelligence, and leadership. The mountains and trees are meant to represent Colorado.

Jarrin Hall First cousins Trafford Havens (12) and Hayden Martinez (12) got the word “brother” in Japanese. They got it over their hearts as a reminder they will always be there for each other.

Jarrin Hall Landon Foster (12) got a buffalo skull with feathers hanging off of the horns to represent his Native American roots. The bear paw represents his Native American name.

Jarrin Hall Chloe Cuddihy (12) got these song lyrics from “Still”

by Niall Horan as a reminder to herself.

Jarrin Hall Coy Prince (12) got this eye just for fun.

Jarrin Hall Ben Perkins (12) got orchids on his arm in memory of his sister.

Jarrin Hall Coy Prince (12) got this on his arm to represent his family name.

Jarrin Hall Ashur Lavigne (12) got birds for his 18th birthday, the birds migrating represents change in his life.

Jarrin Hall Kolten Wupper (12) got this birth flower for his aunt with the same birthday.

Jarrin Hall Kolten Wupper (12) got this to represent his moral compass.

Griffin Saulsbury looks to lead robotics team to success By: Marisa Fonkert

Griffin Saulsbury (12) is the captain of MSHS’s robotics team for the 2024-2025 school year, and has demonstrated excellence in his role helping students succeed and learn in the club.

He has grown his skills since joining the club his sophomore year after looking for a club to join.

“I’ve always loved engineering and math, so I thought robotics should be a cool club to join,” Saulsbury said. “I kind of just thought I’d test it out and then immediately fell in love, so that’s kind of my whole life now.”

Saulsbury is both the team captain and the mechanical lead. His responsibilities as team captain consist of making sure everyone’s on the same page, having a little bit of knowledge about everything, and making sure that he is teaching people. As mechanical lead he is in charge of the mechanical aspects of building a robot and maintaining it.

“My job is making sure everybody knows how to do mechanical work and making sure that things run smoothly during meetings and competitions,” Saulsbury said.

Saulsbury says that he thinks a good team captain should be a good public speaker, be charismatic, have good communication skills, and have a willingness to teach. He tries to incorporate these traits into his role.

“One of the biggest things is trying to make sure everyone

learns, so that after I graduate, the knowledge is passed on,” Saulsbury said. “That’s a big part of what I try to do.

I try to make sure everyone knows what’s happening so we are as efficient as we can be during the meetings.”

James Devoy (11), a member of the robotics team, says that Saulsbury is a great leader

Marisa Fonkert who makes an effort to make Griffin Saulsbury (12) is the captain of the Manitou Springs High students feel welcome in the School robotics team. group. his interest in engineering and his experience with col“I’m hoping to have them “Griffin is a great captain. He’s lege applications. taught with everything they very charismatic,” Devoy said. need to know so that they can “He checks in on everyone “I wrote my college essay do well next year,” Saulsbury and really makes the group about robotics, and I’ve said. “That’s my biggest hope welcoming to the people in already been accepted to a right now.” it.” few. So I think it’s definitely influenced my interest in Eddie Buckley (12), the Many of Saulsbury’s hobbies engineering and my college coding lead within the club, and interests relate to his inapplications,” Saulsbury said. also says that he hopes to see terest in robotics. He mainly “It’s a really strong point for students staying motivated enjoys working on cars and college applications in gener- with the seniors leaving. photography when he is outal, because It’s real life engiside of school. neering experience.”

“I just hope people stay motivated this year,” Buckley “I’m trying to go into engiSaulsbury feels that his class- said. “It’s a really senior heavy neering, so I love math and es, like coding and mathemat- team, so once we leave I hope science. A lot of my hobbies ics, have been beneficial to his the team can stay functional revolve around that, coincirole in robotics. He however without our skill set.” dentally,” Saulsbury said. wished that there could be more related classes.

One piece of advice Saulsbury Following his graduation, would like to leave for stuSaulsbury hopes to attend “I wish we had an engineerdents at MSHS would be to CU Boulder as a third gening class where they taught give robotics a try, even if you eration student. He plans to CAD, because I’m pretty aren’t good at it. Many stustudy mechanical engineering much self taught with that,” dents view the club to be a big and aerospace as a secondary Saulsbury said. “But generally time commitment, but there major. there’s math classes, science is flexibility to manage your classes, and all sorts of work schedule.

“There are a lot of different with robotics that makes fields I could go into. Autosense.”

“There’s a lot of people who motive and aerospace would think it’s too big of a time be cool, but there’s a lot of The robotics team has a lot of commitment, which is undifferent things I could do seniors currently. Saulsbury derstandable,” Saulsbury said. with it,” Saulsbury said. is hoping that he will be able “It’s really not as big of a time to teach the team as much as commitment as you really Saulsbury says that being in possible before graduation so think it is. Just try it, and if robotics throughout most of that there is a smoother tran- you don’t like it you don’t high school has influenced sition into next season. have to show up.”

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Spencer Aldridge . . . Train Conductor Hayden Martinez . . . Professional Baseball Sydnee Babcock . . . Model Player Wesley Balderrama . . . Artist Lily Mascarenas . . . Veteranarian Edward Buckley . . . Naval Engineer Dominic McCollough . . . Knight Kyan Bunker . . . Ninja Patrick Mead-Clark . . . Police Officer Gabriel Cisneros . . . Zookeeper Cheyenne Meendering . . . Baker Ari Clark . . . Veteranarian Aussie Meyer . . . Race Car Driver Kyle Clark . . . Race Car Driver Ethan Mojica . . . Marine Brenna Cote . . . Veteranarian Logan Moore . . . Veteranarian Tanner Crossen . . . Never knew Julian Nanfito . . . Pilot Chloe Cuddihy . . . Egyptologist Basil O’Hara . . . Veteranarian Jameson Cunningham . . . Astronaut Ashlynn Oriet . . . Paramedic Kara Donegan . . . Ninja Benjamin Perkins . . . Firefighter Cedric Ebler . . . Race Car Driver Breanna Perry . . . Doctor Cheyenne Espinoza . . . Veteranarian Quinn Pickett . . . Magician Landon Foster . . . President Jonathan Polizzi . . . Firefighter Evan Fugate . . . Chef Coy Prince . . . YouTuber Brenner Gauvin . . . Inventor Noah Rasmusen . . . Doctor Maddox Gonzalez . . . Cyborg Abbigail Reeves . . . Rockstar Tori Greene . . . Scuba Diver Preston Rhodes . . . NFL Player Jarrin Hall . . . NHL Player Nathan Rice . . . Coast Guard Devon Harris . . . Police Officer Kaya Robbins . . . Veteranarian Trafford Havens . . . NHL Player Kloe Roth . . . Dolphin Trainer Griffin Hoaglund . . . Astronaut Diego Sanchez . . . Millionaire Ava Huffman . . . Veteranarian Griffin Saulsbury . . . Architect Hannah Jackson . . . Baker Morrigan Schulz . . . Singer AJ Jackson . . . Dancer Avery Scott . . . Zookeeper Avery Jacobsen . . . Teacher Madison Sharon . . . Veteranarian Jacob Jacobsen . . . Animator Nicole Sharon . . . Photographer Lana Kahtava . . . Teacher Thomas Spraggins . . . NFL Player Lily Kocks . . . Veteranarian Alexander Steger . . . Professional Soccer Player Gavin Kopp . . . Architect Ethan Traenkle . . . Construction Worker Adam Krych . . . Pilot Eve Trahey . . . Dancer Annika Kuzbek . . . Professional Soccer Player Kylie Valade . . . Marine Biologist Heather Larson . . . Veteranarian MaKenzi VerVaecke . . . Teacher Hunter Larson . . . Superhero Shaena Vigil . . . Marine Biologist Ashur Lavigne . . . Professional Football Player Lilliana Walz . . . Famous SInger Olivia Lefforge-Vidal . . . Veteranarian William Wickes . . . Marine Halli Leonhardt . . . Nascar Driver Spike Wright . . . Astronaut Liam Linster . . . Astronaut Kolten Wupper . . . Firefighter Fennegan Loftin . . . Raptor Tamer Linnea Zak-Moore . . . Lawyer

Landon Foster commits to Fort Lewis college to become a veterinarian By: Jon Polizzi

Landon Foster, a senior at MSHS, has committed to his college plans of being a veterinarian. Foster has been a member of multiple clubs and organizations at MSHS for the last four years, and now he is taking his leadership skills and outgoing personality into the world.

Growing up around cattle sparked Foster’s interest from an early age. “A lot of my family is in the agriculture business, and I kind of grew up around horses and cattle,” Foster said. Foster usually gets to visit his grandparents in Michigan during the summer months, where his passion for animals was born.

When deciding on where Foster wanted to attend college, he was dead set on one.

“I was really only thinking about going to Oklahoma State University,” Foster said.

Having most of his closest family members attend Oklahoma State University it was

a no brainer to Foster. In addition to the family tradition, the school also offered what he wanted to study. “They have a pretty good vet school there too,” Foster said.

It wasn’t until later that he decided on Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.

“So two years ago, there was a gal that came down from Fort Lewis, and she was talking about this Native American scholarship,” Foster said.

When Foster found out about the scholarship, he didn’t think twice about attending Fort Lewis College. Being part Cherokee, Foster got his entire tuition paid for. “I’m not thinking about any other school anymore,” Foster said.

Although his tuition is being covered, there are still out of pocket expenses that he has to take care of. “I still have to cover room and board, so it’s still a decent chunk of money,” Foster said.

Jon Polizzi Landon Foster (12) shows his college commitment posted on the senior map in the hallway at MSHS on March 12.

Brian Brown, a teacher at is very excited for him. “I’m MSHS and a family member thrilled to death that Landon to Foster, has witnessed first not only has been accepted,” hand how much Foster has Brown said, “but he’s looking grown. to get out of the Colorado Springs area.”

Brown believes that Foster should experience two things With plans set and everything after high School. “One is go- slowly rolling in motion, Fosing to college and the second ter is ready to begin the next is to travel,” Brown said. chapter of his story. “He’s like all students, he wants to get Going to college isn’t just out of here,” Brown said.”And about getting an education, he has a clear focus on what rather the responsibility of he wants to accomplish, being on your own and caring which has brought a maturity for yourself. beyond his years.”

Learning about Foster’s college acceptance, Brown

Kara Donegan first MSHS wrestler to win 30 matches in a season By: Krissy Stout

Kara Donegan, a senior at MSHS, won over 30 matches this year. As a freshman, Donegan only won about one match during the wrestling season.

This season, Donegan has competed in 51 matches and has won 36 of them. Head coach Paul Bonner has seen immense improvement compared to her freshman year, “ she has grown both in con-

fidence and ability,” Bonner said.

Bonner, Donegan’s coach and Ceramics teacher, says that in class, Kara is calm and loves to laugh. But when it comes to competing, she flips a switch. “She becomes focused and competitive,” he said.

Bonner is constantly encouraging Donegan. “I am always in Kara’s corner,” he said. “I

Paul Bonner Abbie reeves, Hannah Rickert, Alex Traenkle, and Kara Donagen pose for a photo at a wrestling competition.

am constantly reminding her of her strengths and how good she is.”

Although wrestling is physically and mentally demanding, Donegan persists with a positive attitude. “I love competing, tournaments, and winning, ” she said. “I also love the sport itself and how hard and rewarding it is.”

Donegan says one of her biggest supporters is Bonner.

“He pushed me, mentored me and overall helped me become the wrestler and person I am today,” she said.

Abby Reeves, Donegan’s

friend and a wrestler herself, believes that Donegan is strong-willed and will do anything she puts her mind to. “I am so proud of her and grateful that she was my buddy through this entire journey,” she said.

Reeves remembers a time where Donegan had an amazing match. “At the Tri-peaks tournament, she faced opponents she’s previously lost to, and she won,” she said.

Donegan originally gained interest in wrestling from her siblings. “I joined in middle school and I just fell in love with it and continued it,” she

said.

According to Reeves, Donegan has grown immensely throughout the years of MSHS wrestling. “She’s gone from someone hesitant and a little unsure of herself in wrestling,” Reeves said, “to someone who lets nothing stop her, never gives up, and still has a smile on her face.”

Donegan loves wrestling, along with every aspect in wrestling. “I absolutely adore all of my coaches, teammates, the family aspect and environment that comes with the sport,” she said.

Word Search

According to Bonner, she is always there with a positive attitude and a lot of great ideas. “Kara is a natural leader and is not afraid to step up when something needs to get done,” he said.

Bonner can’t wait to see what she does in the future and is confident that Donegan will continue to learn and grow with whatever she does. “I know that she is going to go on to do great things,” he said.

“I am really proud of her and it has been an honor to have been her coach and teacher.”

Reeves reminds Donegan that she is strong, and believes

Word Bank

Graduation Congrats Speech Student

Diploma Cap Gown

Letter from the Senior Class President To the class of 2025,

Wow. We made it. Four years of academic rigor, hallway traffic jams, group projects where two people do all the work (you know who you are), and last-minute motivation. Truly, we are the picture of perseverance.

I mean, look at us. The most compassionate, focused, and definitely-always-on-time group of students to walk these halls. Our ability to thrive while running on caffeine, chaos, and pure sarcasm is nothing short of legendary. We’ve redefined “doing the bare minimum but with style.”

But in all seriousness, underneath the jokes and shared senioritis, we’ve built something special. This class— our class—is a community.

Whether it was cheering each other on at games, panicking together before finals, or pulling off spirit week like absolute champions, we did it together.

Through it all, we stuck together and helped each other out when we needed each other. When we needed it, we gave our friends a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen. When we needed it, we picked each other up when we couldn’t do it ourselves.

When we needed it, we slipped over our homework to prevent a late grade. When we needed it, we looked out for each other.

The Manitou community brought this group of people together, but we made it a family. Without the work put in by each individual, we wouldn’t be here at the end of this year graduating. We wouldn’t be walking down that field, dawning our caps and gowns to grab that ever sacred diploma.

Though there were times that we may have been angry at one another, or that we didn’t see eye to eye with one another, in the end we always came back together and reconnected. At the end of the day we were all still a little family in this big world. We still stood next to one another and picked each other up when we needed a friend.

That is the beauty of the community that we get to be a part of. It has brought us together and because of it we will always be connected. 5 years from now, 10 years, 40 years, we will be connected through the community that made us the young adults that we are today.

If we have nothing else, we still have our graduating class of ‘25 and the community

and family that we have made over the past years. So stay together, don’t be afraid to reach out to an old friend, and keep loving one another.

It may seem dumb, but this is our family and these are the people that we should be able to lean on and to rely on when times get hard So, here’s to us: the class that laughed hard, worked kind

of hard, and loved each other harder. We may be going separate ways, but the memories, friendships, and screenshots of truly unhinged group chats will stay with us forever.

Keep being awesome. Or at least convincingly mediocre—that’s worked pretty well so far.

Good Luck Class of 2025!