Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) 2012 Culinary Arts/Upper Moreland High School graduate, Elaina Leonardi, just completed her first semester at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree at IUP’s Academy of Culinary Arts, with a focus on Baking and Pastry Arts
Once Leonardi completes the classroom portion of her program, she plans to take full advantage of IUP’s externship program. The externship program allows students to work at a resort or club across the United States. IUP assists with arranging this opportunity. Ultimately she would like to have a successful career as a pastry chef at her own bakery.
In her search for the right post-secondary program, Leonardi visited several universities. After seeing several classes and kitchens, she felt most at home at IUP. She also prefers the small classroom environment.
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Leonardi heard about EASTERN through a presentation made to the 10th grade class at Upper Moreland High School. The timing was right since she had begun developing a growing interest in cooking and baking. She excelled as an EASTERN Culinary Arts student, being named Student of the Month in February 2012, and the SkillsUSA 2011 – 2012 School-Wide President.
“Come visit the Culinary Arts program at EASTERN on a regular school day and ask questions,” said Leonardi. “Seeing the hands-on processes, techniques and knife skills are what make the program exceptional. My EASTERN Instructors, Chef Marucheck and Chef Albert, encouraged me to continue my education, and helped me find the right program.”
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While she is home for winter break, Leonardi is assisting the EASTERN chefs with instruction and working at a nursing home in Montgomeryville developing the menu for those with restrictive diets.
EASTERN is a public school serving students in nine Eastern Montgomery County school districts. Those districts include Abington, Bryn Athyn, Cheltenham, Hatboro-Horsham, Jenkintown, Lower Moreland, Springfield, Upper Dublin and Upper Moreland. Students benefit from specialized career programs that give them a competitive edge in college or in a career. The campus is at 3075 Terwood Road in Willow Grove. For more information, please contact Amy Shields, Organizational Advancement Director, at 215-784-4806, or visit the school’s website at www.eastech.org. Like Us? Become a fan on Facebook – www.Facebook.com/EasternCenter
