Posted: October 11, 2022
Pennsylvania 4-H recently inducted a new team of State Project Ambassadors. This leadership opportunity is aimed at bringing a youth perspective to statewide program areas.
Team members officially started their terms October 8 as they were announced during the organization’s State Leadership Conference, Junior.
State Project Ambassadors, called SPAs, will attend meetings with 4-H educators who serve on the state's program working groups. As educators plan events, write new curricula or develop any other initiatives, they will consult with their corresponding SPAs to gather ideas and feedback. A maximum of four SPAs can serve on each working group.
SPAs serve a one-year term, with an option to reapply for the following year.
"This is an opportunity for youth to be in a position to share experiences and ideas and otherwise be visible in the program," said Paul McFarland, 4-H education program specialist for Penn State Extension.
The new team of State Project Ambassadors includes the following 4-H members:
— Access, Equity and Opportunity Ambassadors: Crystal Clark, from Potter County, and Melissa Griswold, from Chester County.
— Animal Science Ambassadors: Sophie Griswold, from Chester County, and Addison Schade, from Westmoreland County.
— Environmental Science, Shooting Sports, and Camping Ambassadors: John Bruner and Sadie Palfrey, both from Indiana County, Luke Sanner, from Westmoreland County, and Grace Ziegmont, from York County.
— Healthy Living and Expressive Arts Ambassadors: Jordan Laroe, from Sullivan County, and Caitlyn Shrodo, from Lycoming County.
— Leadership and Civic Engagement Ambassadors: Alyssa Bergenstock, from Montour County, Madison Conn, from McKean County, and Allison Emanuel, from Lehigh County.
— STEM Ambassador: Ronak Suchindra, from Chester County.
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the United States 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 Penn State Extension 4-H website.
