Ray Watt, Founder
I’ve been blessed with a great family with my wife Ellen for over 30 years. Our children went to public and private schools over the last 20 years in Jackson, TN. Ellen has taught in public education and private education for over 35 years. I went to public grade school, high school, and college. I’ve coached and refereed high school wrestling and football for many decades. I own businesses in Jackson, TX, and CT and have been very fortunate.
Why scholarships for children in K-12? Choice for a Child provides Chance.
Over the last several years, I met parents and students throughout the USA who wanted the best opportunity to learn. The parents would explain they wanted a learning environment where their child could excel and be surrounded by other families and students who similarly valued education. These families for many reasons do not see the local public school option as a solution for their child.
Often the best fit for their child in their town or county is with a private school or a home school coop. , the cost to access these options often is out of reach.
I founded the Student Award Center(SAC) to assist parents to obtain the best solution for their child’s education. To support a family to choose what they believe is the best opportunity, not only helps the child but the community.
90% of our nation’s children are publicly educated. SAC understands the importance of public education and its successes and failures.
Thank you for making a difference for a child, their family, and our community.
Jesse Watt, Executive Director
I am excited to be a new member of the Student Awards Center team that I firmly believe is making a difference in the lives of many children in our community. I am a product of both private and public schools in Jackson, Tennessee as I went through elementary and middle school at St. Mary’s before graduating from Madison Academic High School in the class of 2017. In 2021, I graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor’s of Science degree. I am eager to begin my work contributing to a team that empowers families to make the best education decisions for their children and proud to serve the community where I grew up.
David Bryant, Marketing
I have worked at the Student Award Center since 2022. I grew up in Jackson, TN, and am a 1992 graduate of Jackson Central-Merry High School. Previously, I attended Tigrett Junior High and St. Mary’s Elementary School. I graduated from Bethel University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management and Organizational Development. Before joining the SAC team, I spent the previous 9 years in a residential treatment setting with adolescent boys, where I witnessed the results of sometimes not having quality education options. My strength comes from my wife, Kimberley, and our 7 children. I am a man of God and His son, Jesus Christ, and I firmly believe that through Him, all things are possible. I enjoy watching and playing various sports and I coach for the Sacred Heart of Jesus High School Football Team. I also volunteer as a youth basketball coach. I am extremely excited to be a part of the Student Award Center and hope to play a small part in helping deserving kids get the education for which they strive.
