Posted: February 12, 2025
More than 300 Pennsylvania 4-H youth gathered to network and enhance their leadership skills during the Pennsylvania 4-H State Leadership Conference, Jan. 31-Feb. 2. The conference took place at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College. The theme was “Unlocking the Power Within.”
County 4-H members from across the state participated in workshops designed and delivered by 4-H staff from around the nation, Penn State faculty and staff, alumni, and industry leaders. The workshops included topics that encouraged youth to build their skills in public speaking, teamwork, goal setting, improvisation, disability inclusion, public relations and resume writing. The 4-H youth who attended the conference are current and future leaders in their communities, schools and 4-H pursuits, organizers said.
The keynote speaker was Aaron Davis, who spoke on the power of a championship attitude. Through his journey as a cancer survivor, his experience as a member of the 1994 Nebraska football national championship team, and his achievements as an author, Davis has learned firsthand the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life personally and professionally.
On the last day of the conference, 15 4-H’ers received Diamond Clover Awards, the highest achievement possible in the Pennsylvania 4-H program. The Clover Award Program encourages 4-H members to explore new projects and activities that will help them acquire the seven leadership life skills: communicating; decision making and problem solving; getting along with others; learning to learn; managing; understanding self; and working in groups. Engagement with the Clover Award Program is generally a multiyear process and consists of planning and implementing a service-learning project in the community.
At the close of the conference, the new Pennsylvania 4-H State Council team was announced. The council is a premier group of young people selected from around the state to be the official youth spokespeople for the Pennsylvania 4-H program.
Giuseppe Schiano Di Cola, of Montgomery County, was announced as the new council president. Alyssa Bergenstock, of Montour County, will serve as secretary.
The communications committee will consist of Grace Ziegmont, of York County; Ariana Cook, of Bradford County; and Patricia Shively, of Union County. Serving on the events committee will be Samantha Hayman, of Somerset County; Helayna Hollobaugh, of Elk County; and Caitlyn Shrodo, of Lycoming County. The outreach committee will comprise Kaylee Baker, of Venango County, and John Bruner, of Indiana County.
In addition, the County Council award winners were announced. This award recognizes the outstanding achievement of Pennsylvania 4-H teens who take part in their local County Council, a stepping stone to serving on the State Council. Groups from York, Crawford and Indiana counties were recognized as the top three councils.
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Pennsylvania 4-H website.
