A Taste of Monroe College

On October 26th, 2017, 30 Long Island City High School Juniors and Seniors traveled to the Culinary Institute of New York at Monroe College. The students, all participants of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program at Long Island City High School, were eager and excited as the bus arrived at the main entrance of The Dining Lab. The tour began with a demonstration of popular French dish-Sûpreme Poulet Chasseur Avec Polenta presented by Chef Enmely Soriano. The students crowded around the chef’s table as she put together a beautiful dinner for two. There were audible “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” as she explained to them how to make the dish. Students were able to taste the food at the end of the demonstration. Excitement radiated from each student.

After the demonstration, Chef Soriano spoke to seniors interested in participating in America’s Best High School Chef to discuss opportunities for tutoring and practice. America’s Best High School Chef is an annual competition in which 40 high school students compete to win a full academic scholarship to the Culinary Institute of New York at Monroe College.

The field trip continued with a campus tour through the athletic center, the dining hall, lecture centers, and dorms. Students discussed amongst themselves college applications, financial aid, and room and board. One student exclaimed “When I go to college I think I want to live off campus!” After the tour, I sat down with Kevin* to listen to his thoughts about the tour and college & career readiness. When asked to highlight his favorite part, he answered, “I really enjoyed seeing the bakery because I want to be a baker one day.” Kevin* is in the 11th grade and is a strong example of a student who has overcome incredible obstacles to achieve success. He entered Long Island City High School as a freshman with a difficult background. With the help of his family, teachers, and Zone 126, Kevin* has managed to pivot in the right direction. He has steadily increased his attendance since 9th grade and now stands at a 93% attendance rate this school year. Kevin* expressed that becoming a chef has never felt more real and attainable. “I definitely see myself attending Monroe College in the future,” said a confident Kevin*.