Following in the footsteps of the greatest runner in Broward County Athletic Association history, Emilie Amaro is daunting to say the least.  But to be able to demonstrate greatness and breakout away from the shadows is simply exemplary.

Lucena had a breakout season this year dominating the competition in cross- country.

Lucena won the Walt Disney World Invitational.  Broward County Athletic Association girls won district title and finished second at state to the no. 1 runner in the nation, Ashley Brasovan of Wellington.  She led Cypress Bay to a 25-4 season.

Lucena earned Sun-Sentinel Girls Runner of the Year.  The fifth consecutive year a Cypress Bay runner has received this honor (Emilie Amaro – record 4  times).

From battling an eating disorder that left her at 65 pounds and near death in eighth grade to finishing state runner-up her final high school season, the Cypress Bay senior not only became a better runner but a better person.

Mariana is unselfish – In a stunning selfless move, the University of North Carolina bound Mariana Lucena lead the 1,600 meter run at the Region 3-4A Track and Field Championships.  She stepped off the track before the finish to ensure her teammate Michelle Cample could move into fourth place and qualify for the state championships.  Taking a risk, Lucena came back later to win the 3,200-meter race and qualify for state.

Mariana could have qualified for state in both the 1,600 and 3,200 meter race, however she knew the toll both runs would take on her body would hurt her team by the Bay from securing points at the state championship.  Further, she gave one of her teammates the opportunity to compete at the state championships.

Mariana is a Sun-Sentinel Kid of Character was Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction.  She received the Florida International University Book Award and the Literary Fair Award.  Mariana was a member of Spanish Honor Society, English Honor Society, Science Honor Society and National Honor Society.  She has 484 documented volunteer service hours.

Marian won the 3,200 at the BCAA Championships and the FHSAA State Championship.  She is the best female long distance runner in Broward 2009-10 year.