COOKING UP EDUCATION SCHOOLS WHIP UP CUISINE, LEADERSHIP LESSONS.

Byline: - Lisa Van Proyen

At Monroe High School in North Hills, students master cooking skills in a unique culinary arts program that integrates other subjects, such as geography, as they study the origins of their cuisine.

Throughout San Fernando Valley middle and high schools, hundreds of students are organizing youth summits to reduce teen violence and emphasize good citizenship.

And districtwide, Los Angeles Unified offers a long list of affordable career programs through the Division of Adult and Career Education for those who have obtained their GED or have a high school diploma.

These programs are among scores in the Valley that prepare students academically and professionally.

``All the skills they learn in this class can be applied to anything they want to pursue,'' said Monroe's culinary arts instructor, Eleanor Schuster. ``This teaches students to go out into the business world.''

Some of her students have become line cooks at some of the region's finest restaurants, such as the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles or Spago.

One current student, Yvonne Guerra, 17, aspires to become an executive chef or a restaurant owner.

In Schuster's class, Guerra learns all about Germany while perfecting a recipe for German chocolate cake. And she also gets lessons in math with her careful measurements.

``When we're in the kitchen, we're learning a lot more than cooking. You have to learn how to cooperate with people. We're learning how to survive in the business working,'' said Guerra, who after school routinely cooks for her two working parents.

In another Valley program, more than 500 students plan to attend a youth summit in June.

``Their mission is to keep the peace on their campus and to promote tolerance,'' said Barbara Garry, coordinator of high school programs for Local District 1, which includes the West and Northwest San Fernando Valley.

Students in the program include about 25 to 50 kids from each campus, Barry said. The program comprises the schools' student government leaders and other ``influential kids,'' from club officers to gang members.

Throughout the year, awareness activities are planned to address prejudice and violence - with inspirational speakers, multicultural events and food fairs.

Administrators are seeing results, with student leaders quelling fights.

``Usually, we adults think we have all the answers,'' said John Gamboa, an administrator in Local District 2, which includes the east San Fernando Valley. ``The kids know what the issues are. They are the liaisons with administrators.''

School board member Jon Lauritzen praised the youth program.

``I'm really pleased with the way kids are responding and I'm hoping this brings an era of peace and tranquillity and an anti-violent sentiment in the Valley. Hopefully, this will spread throughout the city.''

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Photo:

(color) Teaching Monroe High School students about cuisine is more than produce talk, teacher Eleanor Schuster says - it's about ``the business world.''

Evan Yee/Staff Photographer