4-H State Council Announced

More than 300 Pennsylvania 4-H youth gathered to network and enhance their leadership skills during the 2022 Pennsylvania 4-H State Leadership Conference from January 28-30, at the Penn State Hotel and Conference Center in State College, Pennsylvania.

In addition to hosting leadership-oriented workshops and recognizing Pennsylvania 4-H state-level award winners, the new Pennsylvania 4-H State Council team was installed.

The Pennsylvania 4-H State Council is a premier group of young people selected from around the state to be the official spokespeople for the Pennsylvania 4-H program. Throughout the next year of their term, these individuals will be representing the program at many industry events, planning state level events, and attending 4-H activities and meetings around the state.

Alice Polcrack, Sullivan County - President

Alice is a senior at Sullivan County High School, and has been in 4-H for nine years. While in 4-H, she has participated in projects like leadership in her County Council, cooking, riflery, archery, and rabbits. She is the first person from Sullivan County to serve on State Council. When asked what she loves about the 4-H program, Alice notes the range of programs available and that opportunities span local to national level participation. Her future plans include going to college to pursue a public health degree with a pre-med track.

Alice is the daughter of Erik and Jane Polcrack of Shunk.

Miranda Wezner, Montgomery County - Secretary, Communications Committee

Miranda is a senior at Perkiomen Valley High School and eighth year member of 4-H. As a member of the program, she has been involved in rabbit, beekeeping, cooking, market goat, photography, Junior Toastmasters, and veterinary science projects. In addition, she has done 4-H exchange trips to Wisconsin and California. She loves that 4-H brings people of all backgrounds together to learn and grow. Miranda's future plans include attending college to major in agricultural education and publishing her poetry this year. She enjoys being in the outdoors, including hiking, running, and fishing.

Miranda is the daughter of Marc and Wendy Wezner of Collegeville.

Samantha Kriley, Armstrong County - Communications Committee

Samantha is a senior at Lenape Technical School and has been in 4-H for 12 years. Her 4-H projects have included horse, leadership as a club officer and County Council member, cooking, bicycle safety, square dancing, and horsemanship skills. Outside of 4-H, Samantha can be found leading worship, teaching in children's ministry, and planning youth group events at Harvest Church. She is also captain of the West Shamokin Color Guard. "4-H has always been a place I could go to improve, appreciate and accept myself and others. I have been blessed to have leaders who invested in developing me as a leader, friend, daughter and sister and mentor to the younger members.. Throughout my years in 4-H I developed lifelong relationship between county, state and nationwide." Her future plans include participating in an apprenticeship program at Penn United Technologies.

Samantha is the daughter of William and Sandra Kriley of Rural Valley.

Logan Fortin, Erie County - Events Committee

Logan is a senior at Fort LeBoeuf High School and has been in 4-H for 11 years. His projects have included pigs and cattle, along with leadership through the Erie County Teen Council and as an officer in his clubs. Logan's favorite part about 4-H is that youth learn skills they will need in life, and that older members are able to mentor the younger ones. Logan's future plans include attending Edinboro University to major in criminal justice and perhaps pursue a masters degree. Outside of 4-H, he plays football and was named All Region First Team Left Tackle. He is also co-owner of 4-10 Bros. Show Cattle.

Logan is the son of Denny and Lisa Fortin of Waterford.

Alexandria Neff, Dauphin County - Events Committee

Alexandria is a junior at Covenant Christian Academy and 10^th year member of 4-H. She is a member of the Dauphin County Friendship Community Club, Fur and Feathers Club, and Exchange Club. She participates in an array of projects including poultry, rabbits, spinning and other fiber arts, gardening, and art. "I love that there are endless opportunities in 4-H, and that this organization helps youth to find their voice and learn what they are passionate about." Alexandria also credits 4-H with making her a more confident and responsible individual. Her future plans include going to college to study biology or veterinary medicine.

Alexandria is the daughter of Dale and Janell Neff of Harrisburg.

Cailyn Shaffer, Venango County - Events Committee

Cailyn is a senior in the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District and nine-year member of 4-H. As a member of the Cranberry Clovers club, she has participated in crocheting, baking, cooking, expressive arts, photography, health, and wildlife projects. She also focuses on leadership as a member of the Venango County Teen Council. Cailyn loves the interaction between 4-H'ers, and that there are opportunities for youth to build lifelong skills and leadership. "I absolutely love 4-H and everything it has to offer, it has so many great opportunities and skills that everyone can be fulfilled with." Her future plans include obtaining a speech pathology degree to become a speech therapist.

Cailyn is the daughter of Randall Shaffer and Kristie Shaffer of Emlenton.

Jordan Armagost, Venango County - Outreach Committee

Jordan is a senior at 21^st Century Cyber Charter School and 11^th year member of 4-H. He has previously done sewing, wood working, rocketry, hiking, bicycling, and camping projects, and currently working on market and breeding beef. Jordan served as the Venango County 4-H King in 2020. Jordan loves the opportunity that the 4-H organization gives to youth all over the country, that it allows them to pursue their interests and be involved in the community. Jordan's future plans include joining the Army National Guard as an 88M, be a heavy truck and trailer operator, and stay heavily involved in his county's 4-H program as a volunteer.

Jordan is the son of John and Jody Armagost of Grove City.

Elizabeth Bruner, Indiana County - Outreach Committee

Elizabeth is a homeschooled senior who has been a 4-H member for 13 years. Her list of 4-H projects is extensive: leadership, shotgun, archery, air rifle, wildlife, forestry, market and breeding goat, market hog, horse, embryology, gardening, sewing, and fashion revue. "I love how the 4-H program not only provides members with numerous opportunities but teaches youth life skills such as leadership, team work, and problem solving that will be beneficial throughout their entire lives. 4-H prepares youth to become tomorrow's leaders by making the best better." Elizabeth's future plans include attending Penn State Dubois to pursue a bachelors in wildlife and fisheries science in order to become a wildlife biologist.

Elizabeth is the daughter of Clark and Connie Bruner of Blairsville.

Sarah Grace Ferber, Montgomery County - Outreach Committee

Sarah Grace is a homeschooled senior who has been a 4-H member for eight years. She has been involved in the following 4-H projects: poultry, reptiles, goat, rabbit, canine, archery, and public speaking. "I love 4-H because it epitomizes the unlimited potential that proactive youth can have and offers countless avenues for those kids to take in the pursuit of accomplishing great things, no matter where their starting line lies." Her future plans include attending college for wildlife conservation in order to conduct management efforts and further research on endangered species.

Sarah Grace is the daughter of Barbara Ferber of Fleetwood.

Learn more about the officers and the Pennsylvania 4-H State Council Program.