FRESH START MONROE HIGH GETS NEW TREES.

Byline: Lisa M. Sodders Staff Writer

NORTH HILLS - One month after vandals caused more than $10,000 in damage to trees and the lawn at Monroe High School, students, staffers and community members broke out the shovels Wednesday to plant new trees where the destroyed ones once stood.

The trees were donated by the San Fernando Valley chapter of the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers, which also donated ornamental shrubs and other plants.

``It shows how people in the community support us,'' said 17-year-old student Veronica Esparza. ``It's nice to know people care about us and want to help.''

Mike Wronkowski, president of CANGC's San Fernando Valley chapter, said the group's members knew the school did not have funds to replace the trees, so they wanted to help.

In June, vandals cut down several shade trees - some planted in memory of teachers and students. They also splashed acid on the lawn, threw paint and oil on doors and walls, and jammed locks.

Five youths have been taken into custody in connection with the vandalism, and more might be questioned, officials said. All but one of the suspects are seniors at the school. Criminal charges are pending, said Principal Gregory J. Vallone.

Vallone said he does not mind the occasional senior prank that shows pride in the school - such as arranging benches to spell out ``Class 2004.'' But this one went way too far.

``My kids are much better than that,'' Vallone said. ``They were really embarrassed that these other students had shamed the school.''

Students on campus Wednesday agreed, saying they were shocked and appalled by the extent of the destruction. They are also concerned that people in the community might think poorly of the student body.

``People with no life came in and destroyed our school,'' Brenda Salas, 17, said angrily. ``Things happen, but you go on and keep your head up.''

``I feel better now,'' added Chris Hernandez, 16, as dirt was tamped around one of the new trees. ``The school is really a beautiful campus.''

One of the destroyed trees had been dedicated to English teacher John Megna who died in 1995. The former actor was best known for playing the part of Dill in the 1962 film ``To Kill A Mockingbird.''

Eleanor Schuster, culinary arts instructor at Monroe High, said Megna had been one of her mentors.

``He was an actor, and he lived all of his classes,'' she said.

``I am grateful for this generous donation by the Nursery Association,'' Vallone said. ``They are not only replacing trees, but they are reinforcing pride in our school and our community.''

Lisa M. Sodders, [phone]

lisa.sodders(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) From left, Mike Wronkowski, San Fernando Valley chapter president of the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers, helps Monroe High Principal Gregg Vallone and several culinary arts students paint a donated tree.

(2) This jacaranda is one of seven trees donated to replace those killed by vandals at Monroe High in North Hills.

Phil McCarten/Staff Photographer