Maria Lucas

I graduated from WSU in 1983 with a BA in Arts and Sciences. Graphic design was my emphasis. Got married in 1986 and divorced in 1992. My ex-husband was at our 10 year reunion. I started working for Nordstrom in 1984 as a graphic designer, left in 1988 and began working for Boeing until I was laid off in 1995. I spent a year unemployed. During which I went back to school and dedicated all my free time to competing in body building. Moved to Miami Florida in April 1996 and have lived in Florida ever since. I worked as a personal trainer, graphic designer and in 1998 went to work for the State of Florida. I've held positions as a Correctional officer, Correctional Officer Sergeant, Correctional Probation Officer & Senior Probation Officer and I currently work as an Internal Investigator with the Florida Inspector General's Office conducting criminal and administrative investigations involving employees and inmates. I love my job and have a lot of fun at work. I enjoy the constant challenges of my position and the very busy days. There is never a dull moment and after 10 years of working with criminals and with some inside the fences of Florida prisons what I find humorous may leave some of you wondering if I need a psych evaluation. Life inside the fence is a world all of it's own.

On March 31st I reached a major milestone with my dedication to being a runner. I participated in the Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run which involves officers statewide in a 1,500-mile relay carrying the torch through the state of Florida for arrival in Orlando May 15 when the Special Olympics Summer Games will begin. The county I participated in was responsible for 17.5 miles and I ran 12 miles. I managed 10 straight, rested for 1 and ran the last 2 to the finish line. It was a great sense of personal accomplishment as well a knowing I contributed to a great organization.

I have never forgotten making that spin off movie of Saturday Night Fever (I think that's what it was) that Larry Ricci produced. What ever happened to that movie?

Otherwise I hated High School! I got through it though with the help of Mary Lisa Keller, Carol Crabtree, Joan McCambridge and Susan Marsland. Steve Antush who I have seen from time to time in the last 10 years and Danita Waterfall who made being a wrestling cheerleader (if you wanted to call us that) actually fun!

Three years on the swim team was the beginning of many years of different athletic activities. Currently I am am avid runner.