Fran Bagley has always been a master multitasker. From excelling in academics to teaching a room full of kindergarteners, the 2002 Buford High School graduate has found the skill vital throughout her career.
“I think being involved in academics, athletics, and arts helped prepare me for the workforce,” said Fran. “The ability of juggling multiple things at once and excelling at them all is not an easy task. It takes a lot of hard work and determination along with unwavering persistence.”
Fran originally attended Perimeter School in Johns Creek, which only offered classes up to 8th grade. She was recruited by former athletic director, Dexter Wood, to attend Buford High School for her freshman year.
At Buford, she found herself heavily involved in extracurriculars. She was a member of Bel Canto Coral under Dr. Chris Fowler, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FBLA, Beta Club and Senior Class Council.
Fran was also a member of the softball and track teams for all four years of high school; all while being on the A-honor roll.
Fran said if she could go back and repeat one high school activity it would be the Chorus Variety Show or her senior year softball season when they almost won a state title.
“My Senior softball team was so good and we loved our coach Brandon Manders a.k.a. SuperManders,” she said. “We had such amazing comradery on the team and had so much grit. Lifelong friendships were built on the team that year.”
After graduating, she attended the University of West Georgia and graduated with honors.
Her ability to multitask followed her as she went on to get her masters and specialist in curriculum and instruction from Piedmont while she taught Kindergarten full time.
Her fondest overall memory from high school was meeting “the love of her life,” Trent Bagley. Fran and Trent have two kids, Brittan and Bryce, who are growing up in the Buford school system.
Fran remains close to her Buford community as she went on to teach at Buford City Schools for 14 years.
“I love running into past students and parents that I built relationships with over the years,” she said.
After teaching for 14 years, Fran decided it was time for a career change once the pandemic struck. She now works from home as a Business Development Manager for an Allstate agency in Alpharetta. Even now, her lessons in multitasking help her navigate the mortgage industry.
“There is always something more to be done,” Fran said, “There is always room to grow. There is always a way to be better the next time. As long as I keep that mindset, I will continue to excel in what I do.”
Fran loves to travel, play tennis, and run. She strives to maintain a good work-life balance to spend time with her friends and family.
“I really love my life and am so proud to be part of the Buford Community after so many years,” she said.
Fran is the daughter of Guy and Julie Abernathy. Her sister, AnnaLee Montante, is a 2005 graduate of Buford High School.
