Two youngsters from Lackawanna County were among the 4-H members from across Pennsylvania who recently took part in the annual 4-H State Achievement Days at Penn State’s University Park campus, which was entitled “STARS: Stand Tall and Achieve Remarkable Success!”
Pennsylvania 4-H’ers attending the three-day event participated in various contests and activities, such as horse and livestock judging, healthy choices, public speaking, State Fashion Revue and questing. A new contest this year, Resume, Interview, JOB!, was designed to enhance skills in applying for a job, resume writing and interviewing.
Julia Mazur, Olyphant, and Maria Parola, Moscow, of the Lackawanna County Sew-n-Sews
4-H Club participated in the State Fashion Revue. Maria Parola was selected into the top 12 of the Fashion Revue with the outfit she had sewn.
On the first day, 4-H’ers participated in hands-on, interactive activities related to 4-H project areas and opportunities. These activities highlighted projects related to environmental science, expressive arts, basic care and handling of dogs, photography, Google Expeditions, rabbit hopping, shooting sports, cavy bowling and wildlife communication.
Kevin Wanzer, keynote speaker at the conference, engaged the audience with a laugh-filled program that emphasized creating a culture of kindness, finding the humor in everything you do, and choosing to love by promoting respect, diversity and making positive choices.
Other special guests who addressed the group were Joshua Rice, Penn State Extension assistant director for 4-H Youth Development programs; Rick Roush, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences; Jeff Hyde, acting director of Penn State Extension; and Jean Lonie, Director of student recruitment and activities for the College of Agricultural Sciences.
Other activities during the event included a talent show, the annual State Fashion Revue and an evening dance. At the closing ceremonies, contest winners were announced and presented with awards.
This year the 4-H State Council timeline has changed. The selection and induction of a new team is now scheduled to take place at 4-H State Leadership Conference in February 2019 instead of during State Achievement Days. Council members from the 2018 team, who are able, will serve until February.
The youngsters who will continue Council service are: Caroline Benfer, Union County; Annah Burke, Forest County; Julia Jumper, Westmoreland County; Kayla Kimble, Clinton County; and Andrea Repetz, Cumberland County.
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