Jeanette Vigorito P'27

Champions of Giving: Jeanette Vigorito P'27

Meet the Donor

Jeanette Vigorito is an Austin Prep parent whose connection to the School has grown far beyond enrollment. Her son, now in 11th grade, has attended Austin Prep for the past six years, and what began as a search for the right school quickly became something much more meaningful for their family. Jeanette came to Austin Prep looking for strong academics, athletics, a co-ed environment, an easy commute, and, most of all, a school that cared for the whole child. What she found was a community that immediately felt right.

 

“When we came to visit and did the tour, it was like immediately apparent, this is where I wanted my son,” she said. Although the decision came together quickly, it did not take long for her family to realize Austin Prep was the right fit. “That year was so spectacular for him,” Jeanette said.

Over time, Jeanette watched her son make Austin Prep his own. He pursued baseball, tried something completely new through The Nutcracker, and embraced travel opportunities that took him to Italy, London, and Washington, D.C. As she reflects on how close graduation now feels, Jeanette speaks about Austin Prep not simply as a school, but as a place that has become part of her family’s daily life. “Austin Prep has been such a huge part of myself, my family, my child. It’s been sort of a home away from home.”

The Inspiration to Give

For Jeanette, giving begins with gratitude, but it is also rooted in conviction. She believes deeply in the value of education and in Austin Prep’s role not only in teaching students, but in helping shape who they become.

“Education is always going to be something that you want to invest in no matter what,” she said. “It forms the foundation of society. It forms who my son is.”

 

That belief is personal. Jeanette has watched Austin Prep help her son grow in confidence, independence, and character. She describes the School as a true partner in raising him, reinforcing the values her family teaches at home while helping him mature into a thoughtful and capable young man. “That’s actually the biggest benefit of Austin Prep, that they have become a partner in raising my son,” she said. “He’s an adult. He’s able to function in the world. He’s able to be professional about it. That is here.”

Her desire to give is also tied to the way Austin Prep has supported her family through difficult moments. Jeanette shared that during a traumatic time in their lives, the Austin Prep community and the Parent Ambassadors were there for them with love and support. That experience deepened her sense of belonging and reinforced why she continues to invest her time and resources in the School. “It actually really brought us in as a whole into a community, as a whole family, which is why we love Austin Prep.”

Supporting Austin Prep

Jeanette’s generosity is expressed in both time and philanthropy. She serves as president of the Parent Ambassadors, a role that has given her a meaningful way to be part of the Austin Prep community. “By saying yes, by being a part of the Austin Prep community, everything that they ask you to do, if you say yes and you become part of it, it actually brings you closer to the fold of Austin Prep. You become part of the fabric that is Austin Prep.”

 

She sees participation as essential to community life and encourages other parents to get involved, build relationships, and become part of something larger than themselves. For Jeanette, that sense of belonging has been one of the most meaningful parts of her family’s experience.

Jeanette also gives financially because she believes in the direct and visible impact of philanthropy at Austin Prep. She spoke about the satisfaction of seeing gifts turn into real opportunities for students, including support for STEM initiatives such as the Anatomage table, a life-size interactive anatomy table that allows students to explore the human body in 3D and engage with advanced science learning in a hands-on way.

She has seen how exciting it is for students to engage with tools and experiences they might not otherwise have access to. “We like donating, not just because it’s for our son’s benefit, but because it’s for somebody else’s benefit.”

That spirit is central to why Jeanette is a Champion of Giving. Her support is not limited to what her own child receives. It is shaped by a broader commitment to helping Austin Prep provide meaningful experiences, innovative resources, and lasting opportunities for the entire community.

Why Giving Matters

Jeanette believes Austin Prep stands apart because families can see the return on their investment, both immediately and over time. She speaks about that return in terms of experiences, growth, and community. “The return on the investment that we have made, I feel, has been at least tenfold.” she said. “It hasn’t been just like, okay, my kid went to school every day, the classes. I expect that for tuition, but it’s the extras that he’s been a part of.”

Those extras matter to her because they reflect Austin Prep’s commitment to the whole child. They include travel, faith formation, faculty mentorship, traditions, parent involvement, and opportunities her son may never have discovered elsewhere. They also reflect a school that balances tradition with the present moment, helping students grow in both character and curiosity.

Just as important, Jeanette gives with the future in mind. She wants Austin Prep to remain strong for generations of students to come. “I invest today to see a return today, which I do see, but also to see a long-term return,” she said. “It is important to me for Austin Prep to always be here.”

Her story makes clear that giving is about more than supporting a school. It is about strengthening a community that forms students, supports families, and creates opportunities that reach far beyond any one individual. Jeanette’s example is a reminder that when families invest not only in their own child, but in the larger mission of Austin Prep, the impact can be immediate, visible, and lasting.

Become a Champion of Giving

The article above is part of our Champions of Giving series, which highlights the individuals and families whose generosity transforms student lives and strengthens the Austin Prep experience. You too can be a Champion of Giving by supporting our students through annual giving, memorial scholarships, or campaign contributions. Your gift helps students learn boldly, lead with purpose, and serve with compassion — creating a lasting impact for generations to come.