Alumni Alumni Awards

2022 Distinguished Alumni Award – Dr. Ashley Griffin Ray (’04)

Dr. Ashley Griffin Ray (’04) graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia with a double major in Biology and Psychology. She graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine in 2013. During her time at Mercer, she served as both her class and student body president. Dr. Ray completed her general surgery residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center where she received the following awards: the Arnold P. Gold Excellence in Humanism and Teaching Award, Resident Teacher of the Year, Consultant of the Year, and Chief Resident. Her breast surgery oncology fellowship was completed at Baylor Scott and White in Dallas, TX. As the only fellowship-trained breast surgeon in Macon, Dr. Ray has treated hundreds of breast cancer patients and has also been able to offer new, advanced surgical treatment approaches for breast cancer patients. She has recently taken a new position at the University Blood and Cancer Center in Athens, GA, where she will now be the only fellowship-trained breast surgeon in that city and will continue to treat cancer patients as well as expand her research, teaching, and outreach endeavors. Dr. Ray feels that her profession is a calling from the Lord and is grateful to be able to walk with and support her patients through their breast cancer journeys.  In her words, “I get to do His work through my hands.” She builds life-long relationships with her patients and considers it an honor and a blessing to get to do what she does every day.

Dr. Ray is an avid supporter of United in Pink and is a member of the American Medical Association, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, and the American Society of Breast Surgeons.

Dr. Ray has been married to her husband, Heston, for 7 years and they have two children – Evaleigh and Griffin. She enjoys cooking, entertaining, travel, and UGA sports.

2022 FPD Service Award – Clint Ward (’90)

Clint Ward’s love for and service to FPD is woven into every area of our campus. Clint is a 1990 graduate of FPD, and he and his wife Christa, have 3 children: Dallas (’21), Jarrett (’23), and Stokes (’25). Clint has been the coach of FPD’s clay-target shooting team for over 7 years. He also uses his talents, knowledge, and experience to serve the school in many ways. Clint has over 25 years of experience in residential and commercial construction management and currently serves as the president of Ward Construction.  He has assisted FPD on numerous construction projects. Clint brings a wealth of wisdom in helping to continue the school’s legacy of excellence as he helps shape the structure and beautification of FPD’s buildings and facilities. You will often see Clint on our campus offering advice on projects, and students greet him joyfully because of his interactions with our school family. Clint is highly regarded in the community and especially at FPD, for the way he treats others and serves wholeheartedly. We truly value his willingness to work hard to make FPD a place we are all proud to be. Clint has a strong work ethic, and his service to FPD has been invaluable. FPD is grateful to Clint for his years of service to our community. He is an excellent choice for the FPD service award for the example he sets of love and service to the FPD family.