The Pennsylvania 4-H program started back in 1912, in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, expanding to all parts of the state, helping youth develop hands-on skills and build self-confidence.

There are currently 77,000 youths across the state who are part of this program, 4,164 of whom reside in Lehigh County.

Lehigh County Commissioners recognized the 4-H program with a special proclamation during their March 27 meeting.

The proclamation was accepted by Northwestern High School students and Heidelberg natives Olivia Wisser and Kamryn Fink, who spoke to The Press before the board’s meeting.

For Wisser, it’s a family tradition to be part of 4-H.

“My family always grew-up doing 4-H. My dad and all of his brothers did. So, I figured why not?”, she explained.

It’s a similar story for Fink on why she decided to enter the program.

She said, “It came from generation. We started raising operational pigs. I really got into showing pigs and that’s kind of what led my journey into 4-H.”

4-H Coordinator for Lehigh County Kelley Wisser explained to the board how the program is not restricted to agriculture, as it continues to grow, including in urban centers.

“As we continue to expand and reach out to the urban audiences in a bigger way, we do a lot of programming in our urban centers. It’s just different,” said Wisser.

Chair Geoff Brace took the opportunity to share his own experience as a youth in the 4-H Program. He stated, “I learned woodworking skills which I use almost every week on my home here in Allentown.”

Commissioner April Riddick, who also was part of the 4-H Program, added, “It’s very important and I’m glad that it’s still strong. And I’m hoping that next year we can have a whole bunch of kids celebrating 4-H.”

In addressing everyone in the room, County Executive Phillips Armstrong spoke of a recent visit at Kutztown University which recently received a grant pertaining to farming innovations. He said, “Regenerative farming is a whole new thing that we have to look at. You are the young people who are going to bring all of this about. So, hats off to you!”