PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured are members of the 2026 Pennsylvania 4-H State Council Team. Back row, from left, Adelaide Miller, Kelton Wenger, Sophia Leiden, Trevor Fetterman and Alyssa Cook. Front row, Abigail Clemente, Emma Wilson and Evan Frescura.

UNIVERSITY PARK — During its recent 2026 Pennsylvania 4-H State Leadership Conference, a Mill Hall native was named to its State Council Team.

Adelaide Miller, a first-year student at Pennsylvania College of Technology, was among eight 4-Hers from around the state to be named to the council.

More than 300 Pennsylvania 4-H youth gathered to network and enhance their leadership skills during the conference held Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College.

The event featured leadership-oriented workshops and recognizing Pennsylvania 4-H state-level award winners, Penn State Extension 4-H administrators along with unveiling the state council team.

The council is a premier group of young people, selected from across the state, who serve as the official youth spokespeople for the Pennsylvania 4-H program. Throughout the next year of their term, these individuals will represent the program at industry gatherings, plan state-level events and attend 4-H activities and meetings across the commonwealth.

The State Council team members are as follows:

Adelaide Miller, Clinton

County, events committee

Miller is a first-year student at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. She has participated in Barnyard Buddies, poultry, rabbits, baking and leadership projects.

“Over the years, 4-H has taught me so much about hard work and perseverance,” she said. “I’ve learned how to set big goals and put in the hard work, day after day, because in the end, hard work and perseverance will pay off.”

Miller plans to finish her associate of applied science degree in baking and pastry arts and open her own farm-to-table bakery. She is the daughter of Chad and Dominique Miller, of Mill Hall.

Sophia Leiden, Clearfield

County, president

Leiden is a senior at Glendale Junior/Senior High School. She has participated in a variety of 4-H market projects, including lambs, goats, swine, turkeys, dairy beef and beef. Her involvement in 4-H clubs includes the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club.

“A skill 4-H has taught me that I will carry with me through life is the ability to network,” she said. “Outside of 4-H, this skill has opened up internship opportunities for me and has helped me to build confidence to talk with people I may not know.”

Leiden plans to attend college to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal science and then attend veterinary school. She is the daughter of Chris and Janice Leiden, of Coalport.

Emma Wilson, Jefferson

County, secretary

Wilson is a senior at Brookville Junior/Senior High School and is president of the Kool Clovers 4-H Club and the Jefferson County 4-H Council. She also serves on the youth development team. In the 4-H program, she completed projects in horses, ecology and leadership.

“4-H has taught me to step outside of my comfort zone, especially when dealing with public speaking,” she said. “I speak at various 4-H events, and I can lead club meetings very confidently. I am a confident public speaker and can carry that throughout my life.”

Wilson plans to attend college to focus on medical imaging or respiratory care therapy. She is the daughter of Jamie Wilson, of Siegel.

Trevor Fetterman, Somerset County, communications committee

Fetterman is a homeschooled junior. He serves as the vice president of the Somerset County Council, participates in the Somerset County Exchange Club and is president of the Country Clovers 4-H Club. His 4-H projects include wildlife and environmental science, shotguns, air rifles, archery, hunting skills, STEM, dairy goats and leadership.

“A skill that 4-H has taught me that I will carry through my life is leadership and communication skills,” he said. “Through the 4-H program, I have gained confidence and the ability to communicate effectively with youth and adults. This has not only benefited me in 4-H but also in my community.”

Fetterman plans to attend college and obtain a degree in wildlife technology or environmental science. He hopes to work for the Pennsylvania Game Commission or the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. His parents are Roy and Christy Fetterman, of Somerset.

Kelton Wenger, Lancaster County, communications committee

Wenger is a junior at Manheim Central High School. His 4-H involvement includes serving as the president of the Mount Joy 4-H Community Club and participating in the Lancaster County 4-H Council, STEM teen leadership projects, canoeing and camping projects. He noted that he previously acted as a 4-H State Project Ambassador for STEM and was a member of Alpacas with an Agenda 4-H Club.

“While I was a very shy 8-year-old when I joined 4-H and was afraid to talk to the other club members, I have grown as I’ve had many opportunities to teach skills to younger members and to serve my clubs,” he said. “These leadership skills will be used throughout my life, and I realize I wouldn’t be the confident young man I am today without 4-H.”

Wegner plans to attend college to major in naval architecture and marine engineering. He is the son of John and Susan Wenger, of Manheim.

Abigail Clemente, Mercer County, events committee

Clemente is a junior at Commodore Perry High School. Her 4-H clubs include Baby Beef and Lamb and Ropes and Reins. She has participated in projects including market beef, market lambs, horse and Teen Council.

“4-H has taught me so much about leadership,” she said. “I would not be the person I am today without the leadership skills I have gained over my few years in 4-H.”

Clemente plans to attend college for an agricultural business degree, then continue farming beef cows and helping farmers grow their businesses. Her parents are Anthony and Coty Clemente, of Clarks Mills.

Alyssa Cook, Schuylkill

County, outreach committee

A senior at Tri-Valley High School, Cook participates in Blue Mountain 4-H Livestock Club, Teen Council, Schuylkill Potato Judging Club and the Schuylkill Cooking Club. Her 4-H projects include dairy beef, market goats, market turkeys, market rabbits, cooking, sewing, public speaking and potato judging.

“Before joining 4-H, I was nervous about talking in front of people, but over the years, I’ve become more confident,” she said. “Now I’m more comfortable sharing my thoughts and helping to lead others, which will definitely help me in the future.”

Cook plans to travel and attend college to become a livestock veterinarian. She is the daughter of Daniel and Theresa Cook, of Pitman.

Evan Frescura,

Westmoreland County,

outreach committee

A first-year student at Westmoreland County Community College, Frescura is a member of the New Alexandria Ag 4-H Club and the Teen Lead Council in Westmoreland County. His projects include dairy cattle and public speaking.

“The motto that one of my leaders said was, ‘If you are early, you are on time. If you are on time, you are late. And if you are late, you are left behind,'” he said. “I will always remember this to be at least five minutes early for any event, whether an important meeting or just a friendly gathering. You never want to be the one everyone is waiting for.”

Frescura plans to complete an associate’s degree in AutoCAD and pursue a career as a full-time land surveyor. He is the son of Marla and Todd Frescura, of Latrobe.

Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the U.S. 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 https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-H.