Nearly 600 young people descended on State College during the first weekend of February for the Pennsylvania 4-H State Leadership Conference and Junior Leadership Conference. The weekend afforded the youngsters an opportunity to come together for leadership training, networking, and learning experiences.

The weekend, themed “Leadership in Overtime,” kicked off with welcome addresses by the Director of Pennsylvania 4-H Dr. Joshua Rice and Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. The Pennsylvania 4-H State Council — a premier group of young people selected from around the state to be the official spokespeople for the Pennsylvania 4-H program – and the Pennsylvania 4-H State Office coordinated the weekend event.

Saturday was a full day of leadership workshops for the 13-18 year-old attendees of the leadership conference. Those workshops included topics such as team building, stress management, understanding leadership styles, etiquette, interview preparation, and many others.

The Junior Conference for the 10-13 year-old participants gave the younger members a small glimpse of what they can expect to see when they are older. The workshop topics included communication and being a positive role model.

One of the highlights of the conference was the keynote speakers. The juniors enjoyed an entertaining talk by Katina Hunter, 4-H alum and current volunteer in Pennsylvania. Friday’s keynote speaker, Clint Pulver, entertained the older teens with his comedy and message about leaving a mark and making the best for the world instead of best in the world.

Lackawanna County 13-18 year-old 4-H members attending the leadership conference are, from left, Maria Parola, Moscow; Ava Davis, South Abington Township; Hannah Albano, Dunmore; Meghan Graham, Clarks Summit; Julia Mazur, Olyphant; and Faith Hosie, Jessup.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_ABJ-4H-Program-1.jpg.optimal.jpgLackawanna County 13-18 year-old 4-H members attending the leadership conference are, from left, Maria Parola, Moscow; Ava Davis, South Abington Township; Hannah Albano, Dunmore; Meghan Graham, Clarks Summit; Julia Mazur, Olyphant; and Faith Hosie, Jessup. Submitted photo

Lackawanna County Junior attendees are, from left, Emmy Jones, Factoryville; Katie Jones, Factoryville; and Nora Evans, Dalton.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_ABJ-4H-Program-2.jpg.optimal.jpgLackawanna County Junior attendees are, from left, Emmy Jones, Factoryville; Katie Jones, Factoryville; and Nora Evans, Dalton. Submitted photo