Pictured from left: Adam Fisher, board director; Jilinda Dygert, board secretary; Collin Vinchattle, executive director; Lindsay Clinton, board president; Joe Fantocone, board treasurer; and Craig Carle, board vice president.

Monument Academy Breaks Ground on New Lynx Performing Arts Center, Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence and a Legacy for Future Generations

MONUMENT, CO – October 20, 2026 – Monument Academy marked a historic milestone today as students, staff, families, community leaders, and distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the new Lynx Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art, 750-seat facility that will serve as a home for music, theater, school celebrations, and community connections for generations to come.

The groundbreaking comes during Monument Academy’s 30th anniversary year, making the occasion especially meaningful. What began in 1996 with just 180 students has grown into a thriving K-12 public charter school serving more than 1,200 students. As the school celebrates three decades of academic excellence, tradition, and community, this project represents another extraordinary chapter in its history.

Made possible by an unprecedented $17 million gift from anonymous donors, the Lynx Performing Arts Center will give Monument Academy students what they have long deserved: a stage of their own.

“This is about more than constructing a building. It’s about creating opportunities for our students and ensuring that every student has a place to shine,” shared Collin Vinchattle, Monument Academy Executive Director, during the ceremony. The project reflects Monument Academy’s Legacy in Motion initiative, a vision focused on expanding opportunities and building a lasting legacy for future generations of Lynx.

The new performing arts center will provide a dedicated space for orchestra, band, choir, theater productions, and special events. It will also give students of all ages opportunities to experience the performing arts, whether taking center stage or sitting in the audience, inspired by the talents of their fellow Lynx.

Imagine opening nights filled with excitement, concerts in a hall designed for exceptional acoustics, and elementary students watching older Lynx perform while dreaming, “One day, I’ll be up there.”

Lindsay Clinton, Monument Academy Board President, reflected on the occasion’s historic significance, connecting the groundbreaking to the school’s founding vision and 30-year legacy. She recognized the pioneering parents who established Monument Academy in 1996 with a commitment to classical education, academic excellence, character development, and parental involvement, as well as the generations of families, educators, and board members who have carried that vision forward.

Clinton emphasized the extraordinary impact of the anonymous $17 million gift and the opportunities it will create for students for generations to come.

“A legacy is not something we simply inherit and admire. It is something we keep in motion, built by each generation for the next,” Clinton shared. “You have given our students a stage, and you have given our community a reason to stand taller.”

She also thanked the school’s dedicated fine arts educators, leadership team, construction and architectural partners, and the many individuals whose collaboration brought the project to life. Clinton concluded by recognizing the significance of celebrating this milestone during Monument Academy’s 30th anniversary year.

“Thirty years behind us. Generations ahead of us. And, one stage for what’s next.”

Greg Collier, President of iiCON Construction, shared a personal connection to Monument Academy, reflecting on his family’s 20-year relationship with the school. His wife, Kelly, served as Monument Academy’s librarian for 14 years, and their son attended the school from Kindergarten through eighth grade. Collier said it’s meaningful to now play a role in building the school’s future.

Collier also highlighted the connection between the recently completed athletic field and track and the new Performing Arts Center, both part of Monument Academy’s Legacy in Motion campaign. While the athletic facilities give students opportunities to compete, develop skills, and build teamwork, the Performing Arts Center will offer the same opportunities through creativity, artistic expression, and performance.

“Both facilities are investments in the students of Monument Academy and in the experiences that will stay with them long after they’ve graduated,” Collier shared. “That’s really what this Legacy in Motion campaign is about.”

He emphasized that the project’s true significance extends far beyond the building itself. It lies in the concerts, theatrical productions, school celebrations, and countless moments that will bring students, families, and the community together.

“That’s a legacy worth building,” Collier stated.

Collier thanked Monument Academy’s leadership, staff, supporters, and construction partners for their collaboration and shared that iiCON Construction is working toward having the facility ready to welcome families in 2027. He expressed his excitement for the first performance and the generations of students who will follow, noting that the project represents not only a new building but another meaningful chapter in Monument Academy’s history.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together Monument Academy community members, representatives from the Lewis-Palmer School District 38 leadership, and the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, along with families, staff, students, and community supporters.

Music played a special role in the celebration, offering a glimpse of the talent that will one day fill the new facility. Monument Academy’s Orchestra welcomed guests with a live performance as they arrived, while the Monument Academy Band helped usher in the official groundbreaking following the speakers’ remarks. These student performances reminded everyone why this project matters and the incredible opportunities it will create for Monument Academy’s growing performing arts programs.

The Lynx Performing Arts Center is part of Monument Academy’s larger Legacy in Motion campus development initiative, which includes five major phases: the athletic field and track, performing arts center, gymnasium, high school academic wing, and additional parking. With the athletic field and track near completion and construction beginning on the performing arts center, the school continues to move forward with its long-term vision for campus growth.

Monument Academy extends its deepest gratitude to the anonymous donors whose extraordinary generosity made this project possible, the school’s past and present Board members for their leadership and vision, and the dedicated teachers and performing arts staff who have built exceptional programs long before having a dedicated stage to showcase them. The school also recognizes its architects, construction partners, and the many individuals who have worked behind the scenes to bring this vision to life.

Above all, Monument Academy thanks its students, families, staff, and surrounding community for celebrating this remarkable occasion and for continuing to support the school’s mission.

As Monument Academy looks to the next 30 years, the Lynx Performing Arts Center stands as a powerful symbol of what a community can accomplish when it comes together with a shared vision for its students.

Thirty years of memories. Many more are waiting in the wings.

About Monument Academy

Founded in 1996, Monument Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school serving students in preschool through 12th grade in the Monument and Colorado Springs communities. Committed to traditional education, classical academics, character development, and the arts, Monument Academy strives to prepare students for success in academics and life. Celebrating 30 years of educational excellence, Monument Academy remains dedicated to its mission of providing Traditional Education for Modern Times.

Media Contact:
Kendra Kuhlmann
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Monument Academy Charter School