« Back

Pinkerton Alumni Jay and Nicole Yennaco Announce $100K Athletics Partnership and Annual Scholarships

November 4th, 2026


Pinkerton Alumni Jay and Nicole Yennaco Announce $100K Athletics Partnership and Annual Scholarships
Northeast Elite Athletics commits ten-year financial support, facility access, and annual awards for Pinkerton Academy student-athletes.

A generous donation from Pinkerton alumni Jay and Nicole Yennaco has created a mutually beneficial partnership between their business, Northeast Elite Athletics (NEA), and the Academy.  Deeply committed to fostering youth sports, athletic development, and community excellence, NEA has committed to giving $100,000 over ten years toward athletic expenses. The partnership will also provide Pinkerton Academy student-athletes and staff access to the NEA facilities at reduced rates.

In addition to the $100,000 gift, the Yennaco family’s newly formed nonprofit organization, the NEA Legacy Foundation, will fund two annual awards to graduating student-athletes: $ 1,000 each to a graduating Pinkerton baseball and softball player beginning with the Class of 2027. 

“I know how important being involved in athletics was for me,” said Jay Yennaco. “That’s where I learned important lessons beyond what I was taught in school. We want to help support those opportunities for this generation.”

Both Jay and Nicole were student-athletes at Pinkerton. A member of Pinkerton Academy’s Hall of Fame, Jay was drafted in the third round of the 1995 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox and went on to a nearly decade-long career in baseball. Their son, Cole,  graduated from Pinkerton in 2023 and is playing Division 1 baseball, while their youngest two children, Emma and Brody, are current student-athletes at Pinkerton.

“The Yennaco family’s support demonstrates one of the most special things about Pinkerton graduates. They appreciate the opportunities they had and want to ensure they’re available for this generation,” said Head of School Timothy Powers. “We are extremely grateful for their generosity and partnership.”