In 1946, the petite Virginia was honored as the Queen of the Santa Paula Rodeo for her outstanding equestrian skills.It was at an elk hunting camp near Durango, Colorado that Virginia met her husband, James Bougas. They were married from 1953 until his death in 1994. Virginia remains close to her two stepchildren, Dan and Kathy.It was while living in Durango that Virginia was hired as Janet Leigh’s double and did all the star’s horseback scenes. During the four-month shoot for Naked Spur, Virginia also worked with Jimmy Stewart.Upon her return to Santa Paula Virginia rejoined Limoneira and McKevett companies, where she continues to work, serving as the personal secretary of four generations of Teagues!Her Class Correspondent, “Whenever the association has a project, Virginia is there,” said Beverly. “It is always a special treat to see Virginia in downtown Santa Paula, always with a smile for everyone.”A native of Oklahoma, Frances Meek’s 30-year career at SPHS began after she graduated with a BS in Physical Education from what is now Oklahoma Central University. After teaching in Oklahoma schools, “Fran” moved to Santa Paula in 1962, where she taught physical education for 18 years before she was made the Chair of the Physical Education and two other departments.Fran balanced educating others with expanding her own education, completing her Masters Degree at UCSB and an Administrative Credential from CSUN. In 1979 she was hired as assistant principal in charge of attendance and discipline, a position she held until retirement in 1992.Fran moved to Prescott, Arizona after a large California earthquake, but soon grew tired of shoveling snow, moving to more temperate Tucson in 2002. She keeps busy with two women’s golf organizations, and looked forward to returning to Santa Paula to “renew acquaintances with students and old friends,” of which there are many said Beverly. “The Alumni Association is proud to honor her, another outstanding SPUHS teacher.”
Virginia Faudree Bougas, Frances Meek honored at gala SPUHS-AA dinner
October 05, 2005
Santa Paula High School
Hundreds of alumni - still loyal Cardinals - filled Four Points Sheraton Hotel for the September 24 Santa Paula Union High School Alumni Association Annual Dinner honoring Virginia Faudree Bougas, Class of 1944, and 1962-1992 Teacher/Assistant Principal Frances Meek.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesHundreds of alumni - still loyal Cardinals - filled Four Points Sheraton Hotel for the September 24 Santa Paula Union High School Alumni Association Annual Dinner honoring Virginia Faudree Bougas, Class of 1944, and 1962-1992 Teacher/Assistant Principal Frances Meek. Also coming in for honors were the Santa Paula High School graduating classes ending in O and 5.“I’ve been attending these dinners since about 1984,” said Maxine Bryden, the popular teacher honored in 2000 for her almost 40-year career at SPHS that spanned 1938 to 1976. “I had a lot of people I had to see.” Maxine’s late husband Randall was a famous gymnast and SPHS coach also honored by the SPUHS-AA in years past.Velma and Don Olivier (Class of 1933 and 1946 respectively) are charter members of the SPUHS-AA, and “We’ve come to every reunion,” said Don.SPUHS-AA President Beverly Harding came in for some recognition of her own when she was presented with a 1943 Tex Avery “Big Bad Wolf” cell presented by John Singer on behalf of his brother Bob, a SPHS graduate who went on to become a notable animator. “I’m amazed to see you all here,” but the large crowd represents Beverly’s dedication to the association, noted John.Gil Rosas entertained during dinner, leading up to the awards for Virginia Bougas and Frances Meek.Bougas is a native Santa Paulan whose father, Roy Faudree, created many of the city’s early sidewalks, some still in use! Her mother Edith was the dispatcher/matron at the Santa Paula Police Department, and Virginia - the couple’s only child - was educated at area schools.At SPHS, Virginia forged strong and lasting friendships with a circle of friends who still enjoy an annual slumber party. After graduation, Virginia used her outstanding skills to become an executive secretary for the Boy Scouts of America and then for Limoneira Co., where she gained fame as a jack of all trades. Virginia also worked for other area agriculture and gas companies, but found the time for community volunteering on various boards and committees including the Santa Paula Community Fund and the Limoneira Federal Credit Union.
