UNIVERSITY PARK, PA — Ayden Schwesinger of Wayne County, a 4-H member who is involved in riflery and photography, will serve as a state project ambassador (SPA) in the category of environmental science, shooting sports and camping.

What are the SPAs?

Pennsylvania 4-H recently inducted a new team of SPAs. This leadership opportunity is aimed at bringing a youth perspective to statewide program areas.

Team members officially started their terms on September 30. They were announced during the organization’s state leadership conference.

SPAs will be mentored by 4-H state specialists who represent particular project and programming areas. 

As 4-H staff 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 represent each project area. 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 and SPA team co-advisor for Penn State Extension.

“This opportunity is also a great way for young people to enhance their sparks and share them with others,” said Jeanette Stackhouse, 4-H education specialist for leadership and civic engagement. “Our ambassadors have a unique platform to show other 4-Hers, who may still be figuring out their interests, the excitement of that project area and where it can take them.”

The new ambassadors

The new team of state project ambassadors includes the following 4-H members:

Environmental science, shooting sports and camping ambassadors

—Grace Ziegmont of York County

—Ariana Cook of Bradford County

—Ayden Schwesinger of Wayne County

—John Bruner of Indiana County 

Healthy living and expressive arts ambassadors

—Sarah Bupp of Butler County 

—Lydia Shanks of Bradford County 

Leadership and civic engagement ambassadors

—Madelaine Alderfer of Bradford County 

—Maggie Palfrey of Indiana County 

—Alyssa Bergenstock of Montour County

STEM ambassadors

 —Aadit Shah of Chester County

 —Arush Dubey of Chester County

 —Ronak Suchindra of 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 Pennsylvania 4-H website at www.extension.psu.edu/programs/4-H.