Two former ACA graduates are given the Most Distinguished Alumni Award

Story Courtesy of Madison Peddie/Aucilla Christian Acadmey

At the 2020 Celebration Dinner, Raffle and Auction event that Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) held on Saturday, March 7, the school recognized and awarded for the first time, two ACA graduates as ACA's Most Distinguished Alumni.
The purpose of the ACA Distinguished Alumni Award is to recognize Aucilla graduates that have made a difference in their career, community, ministry or in some other area since graduating from Aucilla Christian Academy.
The first ACA graduate recognized at the March 7 event was Bobby Thigpen of the Class of 1981. During his time at ACA, Bobby was a three sport athlete and Key Club member. He led the ACA Baseball team to a State Runner-Up finish in 1981. Bobby later played collegiately at Mississippi State, and made a College World Series appearance in 1985. Bobby was later drafted in the 4th round of the MLB draft in 1985 and set the Major League record for saves in a season as a relief pitcher in 1990, which stood unbeaten for 18 years. In 1990, he was selected for the All Star Team. Bobby was in attendance at the Celebration Event and gratefully accepted his award presented by Principal Richard Finlayson.
The second ACA graduate recognized at the event was Ray C. Hughes of the Class of 1994. During his time at ACA, Ray was a three sport athlete and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes President. In 1993, he led the ACA Football team to a District Championship as the quarterback. Ray later played baseball collegiately and with Athletes in Action. After Christ placed a calling on Ray’s life, he accepted that call and entered into the ministry. Ray has served in various capacities of ministry with multiple churches and is currently serving as the Senior Pastor of The Foundry, a 5,000 member church in Houston, Texas.
Ray was unable to attend the Celebration Event, but his father accepted the award, presented by Principal Richard Finlayson, on his behalf.
When asked about his thoughts on the award, Principal Richard Finlayson shared: “In honor of our 50th year of ministry here at Aucilla Christian Academy, there were many of us that felt it was a great time to reflect on our past and recognize some of our Warrior graduates who have made a true impact since graduating from ACA. We are proud of how these two individuals have represented our school and Christ since graduating and we were honored to recognize them both. We believe there are many ACA Alumni worthy of this distinction and look forward to honoring more Alumni through this award in the years to come.”