Photo courtesy of Dorothy Luci

Brendon Luci and Maria Goller at Hidden Valley High School.

Maria and Brendon Luci at their wedding in June.

Six years ago, the decision to enroll in Mrs. D's art class would prove much more venturesome than stacking up credits toward a high school graduation. Instead, the Hidden Valley High School art program would become the backdrop for two young students as they set out together on a treasure-filled journey.

Dark-haired beauty Maria Goller (then 15) and tow-headed Brendon Luci (then 16), having inherited their parents' art genes, worked side by side through studio and graphic arts, photography and HVHS' art shows. And although an "orange alert" cancelled the New York City art trip, their young love grew unhampered.

Eventually, mothers Ana and Dorothy developed a close friendship as well. By the fall of 2005, friendship bloomed into an extended support system with the untimely death of Brendon's dad. Maria's dad Ed became a father figure for Brendon and his four brothers.

Thanks to HVHS' wonderful art program and strict academic standards, the doors soon opened for Maria and Brendon's acceptance to Virginia Commonwealth University, later earning honors research scholarships. By May 2009, each had earned a B.A. (Maria's in history and creative advertising, Brendon's in interior architecture -- both cum laude). And finally, adding treasure upon treasure, they were married in June (with Sandi D'Alessandro at their side, of course).

Wow! Where would we be without art classes? In a day and age when the arts are losing funding, I can't imagine an education deficit of creative expression or problem solving skills -- not to mention, the possibility of never finding another Frank Lloyd Wright.

Submitted by Dorothy Luci