2008 Woodie Awards
Valley Students Cater the Emmys
Students were put to the test applying the skills they learned at Valley College in a real-life scenario.
Adriana Olivarez
Issue date: 9/29/04 Section: News
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According to Valley student Mary Prugo, who was one of the student caterers at the Emmys, she was "happy with what she learned at Valley because she knew all the recipes and was able to prepare them in a timely manner."
"The competition was tough," said Prugo. "The girls from Pasadena Culinary Arts College were not happy with me because the chefs were complementing me a lot."
The Patina Group serves the Emmys each year, however, this year the group hired Valley students. These students were chosen based on the efficiency and quality of their work.
"The main goals are to have them learn English, get a job, and continue with their education," said Lynne Brower, director of CalWORKS.
According to Brower, the program combines hands-on training with class lectures. The program also provides the ServSafe examination required by the state. This examination teaches students how to safely and properly prepare food. Most retail food facilities in California are now required to employ at least one person who is certified in food safety.
"There is never enough, you can always learn more," said Olivia Romero, who is certified and just earned a job. "I am happy I joined this program."
The food program at Valley is run by Greater Avenues for Independence, or GAIN, whose primary goal is to provide the necessary tools for students to start a new life, and allow them to become independent and self- sufficient.
"I am a single mother who is trying to get ahead in life, my son needs me," said Valley student, Carmen Hurtarte. "I want to be independent and feel proud of myself."
According to Hurtarte, food preparation instructor Maria Reyna has made a tremendous inspiration in her life and helped Hurtarte overcome her low self esteem.
"Every student who completes the course gets a job," said Reyna.
"When I told [the main chefs at the Emmys] that I was from Valley, he asked if I was Cookie's student," said food program student Julia Rios. "When I said yes, they suddenly became friendly."
Reyna, affectionately known by her students as "Cookie," has worked as a chef for more than 25 years. According to her students, her role as instructor goes beyond teaching food preparation.
"[These students] are like my daughters, they are trying so hard to overcome the downsides of life," said Reyna. "My main goal is to prepare these students for life, to become independent."
