CATO - For eighth graders, Mariah Senecal and Megan O'Keefe, being part of the French Club at Cato-Meridian Middle School means more than just learning the language.

The students spent most of the day Feb. 9, in the home economics classroom, cooking French dishes in preparation for the fourth annual Winter Showcase that evening.

"It was stressful, tiring and frustrating at the same time," said Senecal, who is French club president. "We had to go back and change a couple of things on the menu. But it was definitely worth it."

"We found out that all French cuisines have to be cooked precisely," said O#'Keefe, the club's secretary. "If something is a little burnt or overcooked, it's just not good."

The French Club was one of many academic and extra-curricular activities on display during the showcase.

Students, parents and faculty braved a night of snowy weather to attend the showcase, featuring performances by the school's gymnasts and band and choir students. Other classmates performed comedy and poetry routines at the Coffee House throughout the night.

"Originally this night was put aside for the students to show off their work in a project fair," said Principal Sean Gleason. "We wanted the showcase to feature more entertainment. Each year the students receive a bigger and better chance to demonstrate their energy and enthusiasm."

The French Club spent over a month putting their energy and enthusiasm into planning and cooking everything from stuffed garlic pork loin to French stew to mushroom chicken for their showcase station.

At $3 to enter the classroom and taste the delicacies, the club raised $147, which will eventually give them a night out at a French restaurant in Syracuse.

"I have a very active club," said French teacher Alex Grihim. "They have prepared a wide variety of dishes for everyone tonight."

Grihim, who also teaches French at Central Square High School in Syracuse, was born in the French colonies of Casablanca, Morocco and lived in Paris for 14 years before moving to Philadelphia, Pa.,***** at the age of 15.

"Cooking the cuisines also teaches the students about the geography of France," Grihim said. "Each dish tells them about a different part of France."

Thanks to a long day of cooking and learning, Senecal picked up some new tricks in the kitchen and survive on her own. But her mother, Debra Dunham, can only hope her daughter can use them to cope at home for at least a couple more years.

"I'd like to see her use some of these cooking skills at home more often," Dunham said.

Reid Silverman can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or Reid.Silverman@lee.net