WAYNE COUNTY, PA — During their March 13 meeting, the Wayne County Commissioners officially declared the week of March 16 as 4-H week in the county. 

According to its organization’s website, 4-H is America’s largest youth organization, with a goal of empowering the next generation of leaders by providing them with the skills and abilities to be “resilient, adaptable and ready for work and life.”

As of 2025, there are currently 15 different 4-H clubs spread across Wayne County, with 260 members, 47 leaders and 14 leaders. 

One main focus of 4-H is giving back to the community. In 2024, the program recorded over 6,300 hours of community service, with approximately 12,800 people reached through these services. Additionally, it was estimated that their community service saved the community over $35,700.

One way 4-H members get involved with the program is through projects. Last year, there were a total of 782 projects taken on with a 93 percent project-completion rate. In Pennsylvania, a 4-H project is based on an approved curriculum by Penn State University. Although much of the 4-H program in Wayne County is focused on livestock and agriculture, there are a variety of different programs in which youth can participate including STEM projects, expressive arts and many others. 

At the meeting to receive the proclamation were Jess Scull, a 4-H educator, and Jennifer Mercereau. They both thanked the commissioners for their continuous and unwavering support. Scull mentioned that the program prides itself on the fact that it teaches youth real-life skills such as finances, responsibility, respect and more.

“We truly have one of the best 4-H programs in the state.” Scull said. 

Commissioner Brian Smith agreed. “We are extremely proud of our 4-H program,” he began. “I know that 4-H adds another dimension to the life of a young child, and it’s a meaningful dimension.”

“It brings to them responsibility, circumstance and so many different things they can apply in their life in so many different ways and in so many different places,” he continued. “We have supported this program for a long time, and we will continue to support it for a long time to come.”

For more information, or if you would like to get involved with this program, visit extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/counties/wayne/clubs. 

In other county news

Haley Bond and Lisa Rovinsky were both recognized for their five-year employment with Wayne County. Bond is a support coordinator for behavioral and developmental programs, whereas Rovinsky works in the district attorney’s office as chief clerk. 

Additionally, the commissioners approved a letter of support for the Carlton Drake Memorial Park Development Project in Dreher Township. 

The project is aiming to seek $193,425 in funding from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). This grant would be used for additions to the park, including upgraded playground equipment, a paved route from the parking lot to the playground, ADA parking and more. 

In the grant support letter, the commissioners indicated that the grant would be a monumental step in the right direction for community members, “allowing for outdoor recreation that promotes health and well-being for the families of Dreher Township creating a better place to live and raise a family.”