GET A JOB, DUDE TEEN-AGERS EARN SOME CASH, LEARN SELF-RESPECT AT SUMMER'S DAILY GRIND.

Byline: Brent Hopkins Staff Writer

For high school students, the summertime blues don't include unemployment.

Despite a troubled economy, high school students are reporting little trouble in their search for summer employment. More than 86 percent of high schoolers are finding themselves gainfully employed this summer, according to a recent survey by Junior Achievement. While this employment rate is near its level a year ago, the survey points out that the economy was booming then and has sagged since.

William Wilcott, a 17-year-old junior at Park Hill High, discovered getting a job was no tall order. He fished around for a few fast-food positions, then coasted into his counter service job at a Woodland Hills McDonald's in May.

``I looked around, but as soon as I applied here, they called me back in two days,'' he said. ``They took a look, tested me out, and I was in.''

And what started out as just a way to pass the time and earn some extra cash soon became an important part of his summer schedule.

``It was just going to be for a little gas money,'' he said ruefully. ``But then a little drama popped up and now I need this job.''

Thieves made off with his treasured 1997 Honda Civic and stripped the tricked-out cruiser. After recovering it, he's putting his paychecks into revving up his baby once again. Grabbing coffee and pulling milkshakes isn't so bad, he said, as long as he can get his ride back in working order.

According to Junior Achievement's survey, 10 percent of respondents were saving up for cars, the third most popular response. The majority of those polled were looking for extra spending cash, as was the case with the local high schoolers.

Jesse Izaguirre, a senior at Canoga Park High, had no trouble finding a job once he got a callback from a theater soon after turning in his application. The 18-year-old, who's trying to scrape together a down payment for a car, treats his job working concessions at the AMC Promenade 16 as a microeconomics lesson.

``It teaches me the value of the dollar and gives me experience for the future,'' he said. ``It keeps me more dependent on myself, so I don't have to ask my parents for money.''

His co-workers all took the job for the same reason - to add some heft to their wallets when hanging out with friends - but have found other reasons to enjoy gainful employment.

``At first it was about the money, but now it's more about the people here,'' said Shelby Hunt, a 16-year-old at Taft High. ``You meet a lot of them, and it's fun to work with people your age.''

Marina Djuric, soon to be a senior at El Camino, started selling concessions for the theater in April, mindful of the coming summer rush of job applicants. The 17-year-old aspires to work in the film industry, and figured working at a theater was as good a way as any to start off.

``My life is more interesting now,'' she said. ``Sitting around the house all day gets pretty boring day after day. I like being occupied and having money to spend when I go out with my friends.''

Young workers tend to make conscientious employees, according to Anat Baharouzi, a manager at the theater.

``For most of them, it's their first job, so they're very dedicated,'' she said. ``A majority are just for the summer, but some stay on during the school year, and there's so many high school kids here, it's pretty comfortable for them.''

But working - come on, can you really be happy earning minimum wage serving popcorn or getting people fries?

``Hey, I just cashed a check for $300,'' Wilcott said, cockily adjusting his uniform hat. ``You know I'm pretty happy right now.''

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) William Wilcott, 17, of Canoga Park delivers a hot lunch to a waiting customer at a Woodland Hills McDonald's.

(2 -- color) - Shelby Hunt

a 16-year-old at Taft High

Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer