Carbon County recognizes the importance of youth organizations that support the development of children’s passions in the communities in which they live.

Last week, the county commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing March 16-22 as “Pennsylvania 4-H Week” to show their support for the boys and girls currently involved in raising animals, learning other skills and learning the importance of community involvement.

Kayla Fusselman, the Carbon County 4-H educator, thanked the board for supporting the program.

“Carbon County currently has a growing population of members,” she said. “We currently have two year-round clubs and we are doubling that this year. ... We are adding a club in Weatherly and a horse club, which we haven’t had for years.”

Carbon’s two other year-round clubs are the Mahoning Valley Community Club and the livestock club.

“We are excited to grow, Fusselman said. “Our numbers are growing as we speak, and we are very proud of our members for attending leadership conferences, going to camp, putting themselves into scholarships and grant opportunities all across the county, region and state.”

A handful of members then introduced themselves.

Owen Rakos, a five-year members, said he started out with rifle sports and moved onto potato judging, noting that his team got third in states this past year and first place individually.

Sisters Daphne and Amanda Gowin both noted that they are active in the livestock club and Mahoning Valley Community Club, learning about sewing, shooting, raising animals and the potato judging team.

Madison Bara was there representing the newly formed horse club. She serves as president of that club and placed at states with her pony, Tucker, last year.

Kristin Simmons, a 4-H leader, said that she is “really proud of the 4-H members.”

Jennifer Mercereau, client relationship manager with Penn State Extension also expressed her hopes for the program.

“When I took this position with Penn State, it was my hope to grow school programs across my six counties,” she said. “I do want to brag and say that I think this is one program that truly doesn’t even need any improvement. Kayla and her students and helpers make my job so much easier.”

The commissioners thanked everyone for coming out and recognizing the children who are part of the 4-H community.

Commissioner Wayne Nothstein said that through the program, the county’s youth are learning leadership skills, accounting skills, farming and other skills that they will be able to use later in life.

“It’s a family affair,” he said, encouraging everyone to go to the Carbon County Fair in August to see all that these youth have done. “Visit the livestock. Visit the displays of the 4-H kids and talk to the kids.”

Commissioner Rocky Ahner said that with agriculture being such an large industry in Carbon County, the 4-H program is vital to the future of the area.

“We are fortunate that we do have a good 4-H program within Carbon County,” he said. “Thank you for what you do.”

Commissioners’ Chairman Mike Sofranko echoed his colleagues’ thoughts.

He thanked everyone involved in the program for doing what they do to help past and future generations.

The Carbon County 4-H program is overseen by Penn State Extension and is open to children from age 5 to 18 in either the Cloverbud or 4-H programs.

For more information on the program or how to get involved, visit https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/counties/carbon or call the office at 570-325-2788.