Clearfield County proclaims March 2025 as Pennsylvania 4‑H Week; local members present

Clearfield County commissioners proclaimed March 2025 as Pennsylvania 4-H Week at their March 11 meeting and invited local 4-H members to the dais to describe their projects and experiences.

Penn State Extension 4-H educator Elaine Lazer introduced four Clearfield County 4-H members: Janice Gilliland, Jordan Bowser, Natalie Wischchuk and Gabriela Lyden. Each youth described how 4-H has influenced them. Janice Gilliland said, "4-H has opened up so many opportunities for me to go different places," and noted that she recently had the opportunity to participate in a national show in Kentucky. Jordan Bowser, 15, described progress from a poultry project to raising swine and beef and said, "I know a lot more now how to feed and how to take care of these animals." Natalie Wischchuk, 18 and a senior at Curwensville Area High School, said she plans to study animal science at Penn State and credited 4-H with providing role models and mentors.

The presiding commissioner read a proclamation that summarized 4-H's reach, saying it supports "nearly 6,000,000 youth across the country" and cited Clearfield County youth participation figures as stated in the proclamation. After the proclamation was read, the board moved, seconded and approved it by voice vote. Commissioners invited the students to have their picture taken with the board.

The commissioners encouraged young residents to consider careers that could bring them back to Clearfield County, noting agriculture's importance to the region.