New York, New York!

                My senior class just got back from our trip to New York City. I can definitely say that it brought us even closer than we had been before. My graduating class is only 119, and we don’t really have many cliques, which makes it easier for all of us to get along. Our school is also in a very rural area, the closest big city to us is about an hour away. Needless to say, going on a trip like that with a bunch of your friends is exciting and it will definitely bring everyone closer together.

                When we got to New Jersey we took a ferry into the city. The boat took us all around the city and past the Statue of Liberty. However, we were not able to go to Liberty Island because of the construction due to the recent hurricanes. It was raining when we arrived in the city and none of us were prepared for that, and all of our luggage was on the bus in New Jersey. So, the first thing a lot of people did was buy an umbrella for ten dollars.

                We made our way to the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. The tribute to the men, women, and children who lost their lives in the events of September 11^th was indescribable.  The size the fountain and the amount of names engraved around it were amazing. Visiting the memorial was definitely a time for reflection. Despite how loud and fast paced the city is, around the memorial was quiet and calm. It was a completely different feel than anywhere else that I have ever been.

                Our next stop was Chinatown, where the rain turned into torrential down pour. My friends Kayla and Bear went from shop to shop looking around and avoiding the rain. Despite our efforts to stay dry, we were drenched by the time we bought our umbrellas. At least ours were only three dollars. Luckily, we had time to dry off on the bus tour around Time Square before we were dropped off. When we got off of the bus, it finally stopped raining and we were able to shop without being getting soaked. After our time to shop, we went to dinner at the Hard Rock Café.

                The next day we took the bus back into the city from our hotel in New Jersey. It was probably the most entertaining bus ride that I have ever had. We played all of the New York themed songs that we could think of and our chaperoning teachers danced down the aisle way. It was an interesting sight to see! One of our chaperones was my chemistry teacher, she was definitely the highlight of the trip. The most exciting thing for me was when I realized that we were in the Lincoln Tunnel, which reminded me of my favorite movie, Elf!

                We got to Rockefeller Center that morning and some of my friends and I adventured all the way to Trump Tower and stopped at random shops along the way. My favorite part of this was that I got to walk through Central Park, which made me feel a little bit more at home, aside from all of the fencing and pavement. Then the entire group went back to time square to shop again for a little bit before we saw the musical “Once” at the Jacob’s theatre on Broadway.

                I had figured it would be easy to sleep through the bus ride home, but I was sadly mistaken. Not many of us were able to sleep at all. We arrived at the school at about 1:00 AM Thursday. We were all grateful to be informed that we did not need to be in school again until Friday. Now that commencement is approaching rapidly, I feel very fortunate to have spent so much time with my classmates.

Congratulations Class of 2013!

A Reflection

I cannot believe that May is over already!  I feel like just five minutes ago I was taking AP Exams which were in the first two weeks of the month.  In less than a week I graduate from high school.  It has literally just hit me, I am graduating.

But I am graduating from more than high school.  In three months I am going to college.  In three months I will no longer be able to go to 4-H club meetings.  In three months I begin the rest of my life.  The words help don’t come into mind fast enough.

But then I think about my journey in 4-H and how it influenced me like some of my oldest teachers influenced me.  I think about the first 4-H meeting little George Dietrich attended which was eleven years ago.  I remember walking into the club meeting sitting down barley able to see above the table, yeah I was short once.  I especially remember the introduce yourself game the President of the Club decided to play because they knew I was a new member.  I remember that when it was my turn to speak I forgot my name, it was the first time I experienced stage fright at a 4-H event.

I continue thinking about the opportunity called 4-H camp which came for me in overnight camping and summer day camps at the County Extension Office.  That was when I began my nature projects which I continue to do to this day.  I remember getting a chance to take pictures of bear walking through the woods.

I think about my opportunity to become a leader.  It started as a Club Officer to then becoming a Camp Counselor.  I remember talking to my camper suffering from homesickness one night helping him feel better.  I remember telling another counselor what to do in a situation and him listening because he knew I had more experience.

I think about getting the chance to attend State and National Events.  I remember all of the friends I have made from around the state.  I remember the opportunity to meet other people to do new things.  The experiences and memories of these events will be dear to me for the rest of my life.

I think about being a state officer.  I think about the long nights talking to fellow officers planning an event or talking about a personal problem.  I realize that I couldn’t have gotten closer to a more perfect group of people. 

I think about all that I will miss.  I think about my tomorrow as well.  I am graduating in less than a week.  In less than a week I begin my next chapter of my life.  All I can think about is how 4-H has given me so much and made me a better person.  So when people ask me why 4-H I tell them part of my life story with 4-H in a hope to make them understand 4-H doesn’t just make the best better, 4-H finds the best in you and helps you use it and make it better for your future.

 

-George Dietrich, State Historian and Reporter, Wilson Class of 2013

Hard Work - Don't Overwork

Persevere.  Inspire. & Never Give Up.

I’m the type of person that creates a plan and sticks to it.  Whenever I stray from my original intentions, I panic.  I believe in committing to whatever I chose to pursue.  I like to wholeheartedly engage myself in all the things I partake.

Ever since I started high school four years ago, I was always the one that was known for going above the standards.  I would set unrealistic expectations for myself and I would always demand perfection.  Apart from the cloud of stress that always seemed to be lingering above my head, this strategy worked quite well for me.  Throughout my high school career, I received many awards for my school involvement and my academic achievements.

While I was well on my way to be named the Senior Class Valedictorian (an honor received for having the highest grades from 9^th through 12^th grade), my plan was abruptly challenged.   As I have blogged about before, I was in a car accident in the middle of my senior year which left me with a serve concussion. 

The concussion heavily affected my school work.  I had to drop classes and cut my time at school to a maximum of three hours.  I was always feeling weak, tired, and worn.  The hardest part about my concussion though, was the fact that many people were unaware that anything was wrong with me.  People still expected me to excel in my school work and were clueless about the inner-battle I was facing.  I was still trying to act like everything was normal.  I still tried to continue on with my school work like nothing was wrong.  I was in denial that I needed help.

My concussion was mentally draining.  My school work has always been extremely important to me.  I cannot begin to count how many times I would miss outings with friends because I was that devoted to my school work.   My concussion affected my school performance and I wasn’t receiving my usual A+.  Now, my tests and assignments were showing me grades I had never seen before.  After four years of having school work come easily to me, I was now having an extremely difficult concreting and grasping new concepts.  To best illustrate how I felt, my head was like a blank piece of paper and I had lost the pen.  I couldn’t create mental images – it was a blank sheet in my head and I nearly had to physically write everything down.  I had the hardest time learning new concepts – it was like I studying from a blank sheet of paper because I had lost my pen during class and couldn't take notes to save for later.  To say the least, it was a difficult time for me.

On Saturday, May 25, 2013, I graduated from Portersville Christian School as the Senior Class Valedictorian.  My previous years of hard work and dedication dominated the mere semester with my concussion.  My grades were high enough that I was still ranked number one within my class.  Looking back, I realized that I worried about such a little thing.  I worried about my school work when I should have been worrying about my health.  Presently I am still dealing with my concussion.  When I should have been resting, I was worrying.  Perhaps if I had looked at the larger picture and placed the importance on my health, my concussion might have been gone by now.

So here’s the moral of the story:  Hard work, but don’t overwork yourself.

Until later,

Cassidy Baker

2012/2013 PA 4-H State Council President

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome”

Booker T. Washington

Growing Up

It's weird to think after all these years that I will not be walking into the school that I have known for so long.  Don't get me wrong I'm excited to actually have a real job and to go to college.  Its a bitter sweet moment in life.
On one hand I'm finally done with school and I can start to live like an adult, but on the other hand I'm going to experience something completely new and I'm going to have a lot more responsibility.  Even though I'm not sure whats in store for me I am confident I will be able to keep my head up the whole time, thanks to everyone that has got me this far in my life.
The thing I'll miss most being out of school in never seeing the faces of the ones that I have gone to school with for 12 years.  I feel it won't be hard for me to make friends at college.  I am actually excited to meet all the new people at college.
I'm also excited to start working with dad in the summers.  At the same time, I am nervous, because he said to me "now well see how hard you really work".  I know that my dad works extremely hard and that I must do the same.  I'll only need to work with Dad for a short time because soon after college I should be his boss.
Its been an exciting ride so far; I can't wait to see what's in store for me.  I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

Sincerely,
VP of Internal Affairs & Sentinel
John Hess Jr.

Senior Year-Simply Surreal

As my senior year is quickly wrapping up and I take time to reflect on the stellar year I had, I am grateful for so many memories made. I’ve learned lots- not just academics, but also about myself as an individual as well as my family and my friends. I can say that without doubt I tested my capabilities and my limits with the number of responsibilities I took on this year, especially in 4-H. Somehow or another, I managed to have a ton of fun this school year too.

Just like nearly every high school senior says, my senior prom was a major highlight of my senior year. My high school has the traditional promenade and prom dinner and dance, but it also has a massive post prom bash. Spread out over our two gyms, there are numerous activities to keep us entertained until 5 in the morning. Moon bounces, Blackjack tables with professional dealers, money booths, and so much more, the parents who orchestrated the post prom did a phenomenal job to keep kids entertained and out of trouble. Everyone walked out of the event with a prize or two and some people even get lucky enough to win significant cash prizes or impressive prizes like ipads, TVs, or a Macbook. Even though I did not win a prize of incredible monetary value, I was rewarded with an unforgettable evening with a great group of friends.

Although I opted out of another key component of senior year, my senior class trip to Disney World, I still had the time of my life that same week when I went to National 4-H Conference instead. National Conference exceeded my expectations by far. My 4-H friends who’ve attended Conference in the past described it as a “working conference” so I was prepared for nothing shy of boring. National Conference was nothing close to boring and in fact, it was quite hectic at some points. My round table, Feeding the Global World with an emphasis on women in sub-Saharan Africa, had to put together a professional presentation to present to the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in a few days with just a matter of hours to work together. National Conference was an unforgettable experience. Because less people attend Conference compared to National 4-H Congress, it was easier to meet people and making lasting relationships and even friendships. Overall, I’m glad I decided to forgo my class trip to Disney to be able to travel with some amazing Pennsylvania 4-Hers to National 4-H Conference. I’m sure I’ll visit Mickey sometime in the future anyway.

Grad parties are already in full swing and I am thrilled to be graduating high school in just a few short days. It was a bit surreal to try my graduation cap and gown on this week and even though a part of me will miss high school and my peers, I know there are bigger and better things waiting for me onward. With plans already in the works for this summer, I cannot wait for my last few months home before my friends and I part our ways for our destined futures. I am eager to see what adventures lie ahead of me in my future years attending Penn State University.

Good luck on finals and have an enjoyable start of your summer! And of course, Congratulations Class of 2013!! We made it!

Sincerely,
Cecilia Stuetz
Pennsylvania State 4-H Council Secretary

Something to Think About...

Something to Think About…

So, summer fun, the weekend, and plans with friends on a beautiful day after a long hard week are finally here!   You’re travelling down the back country road on your way to your friend’s house for a relaxing cook-out.  What a great way to spend the cool, summer night.  Your windows are down, your favorite song is playing, and you couldn’t be happier; but, all of the sudden, you find yourself stuck in a parade of cars slowly creeping along at 12 m.p.h. 

Now you’re frustrated!  You’re going to be late and you’re still going 12 m.p.h.  Finally everyone gets a chance to break free of the madness to pass the cause of the back road traffic jam.  As you drive past, you notice the farmer who has obviously been out all day long in the sweltering sun.  As you pass, you realize he was just going from one farm to another trying to do his job, which, by the way, is never done.  You remember something important and it hits you like a ton a bricks.  Only 2 percent of the American population is working to feed and clothe the American population and beyond.  You think about that incredible fact for a minute.  Only 2 percent of the United States population made all the food you are about to go and enjoy at the cook-out. 

So what can you do to help?  Well, I’m asking that when you find yourself stuck in that back road traffic jam, just be a bit more patient, smile, and wave as you pass the hard working farmer.  Hard as it may be, we need to try to do that because we don’t want to make an incredibly hard job any harder than it already is.

                        Thanks, from one of the 2% who missed his Memorial Day cook-out to make hay! 

 

Milk is My New Best Friend!

Hello Everyone,

I hope that everyone is as happy and relieved as me that school is almost over! I'm looking to a great summer full of 4-H and I hope that you all are too! Between 4-H meetings, trips, shows, camps, State Achievement Days and everything else that the summer holds, I know that it is going to be an amazing summer.

On top of finishing my time on council this summer, yesterday I was crowned as the 2013-2014 Cambria County Dairy Princess! I am so honored to get this amazing experience and I know that it is one of those things, like council, that will change my life forever. I couldn't have asked for a better way to finish my junior year of high school and start my summer. I am so blessed to get the opportunities that I do and meet all of the amazing people that I have.

If anyone is considering applying for state council, I highly recommend it. At times it is hard, but it is one of the most amazing things that you will ever do. If you are applying, REMEMBER that applications are due to the state 4-H office by July 1st.

I'm so glad that I still get to have 2 more amazing months with my council but I'm also ecstatic that I still have 12 months as the Cambria County Dairy Princess. As the Dairy Princess, I will represent the importance of the dairy industry in the county, as well as in the state. Dairy is such a huge part of so many peoples' lives including my own so I couldn't have asked for a more amazing opportunity. I hope that I will represent my county as wonderfully as all of the previous princesses before me.

I would just like to thank everyone for all of there support through everything.

Until later,
Dawn Craft 
2012-2013 Pennsylvania State 4-H Council- Vice President of Operations

Almost There!

Hello Everyone,

I feel like I just wrote my last blog about four days ago, but its been four weeks! I can't believe that school is so close to being over. With everything that is going on in school and with 4-H in my county, I feel like my head is constantly spinning with hundreds of things to do. Does anyone else feel like this or am I going crazy?! I am the head of prom committee and prom is coming up so very quickly, it is this weekend actually! I have spent that last two days straight setting up and I'm going to go crazy. Our theme this year is "A Walk on the Wild Side." It is a jungle theme so I think that it will be exciting! I can't wait but I think that I will be relieved when it is all over.

Another thing that is coming up very soon is my school's blood drive, which I am in charge of. It is one of the greatest things though, you get to save people's lives and inspire other people to do the same thing. It is one of the greatest feelings in the world to know that you are actually making a difference. I encourage anyone that is over the age of 16 and that is able, to donate blood! It is such an amazing thing to do!

And sad to say, track season is almost over. But it isn't necessarily a bad thing because that means that summer and cross country are both on the way! I think that EVERYONE is ready for summer. Counting down the very few days of school that are left, and many people are getting ready to head to college in the fall or even in some cases, this summer. I will miss many of my friends but I know that they are all going to do amazing things. I can't wait to go to track states with my team and just have a good time at the end of the year. I hope that everyone finishes out school on a happy and positive note!

Until later,
Dawn Craft- 2012-2013 Pennsylvania State 4-H Council Vice President of Operations

Somos Los PP's

Hello Everyone!

So back in January, I wrote about how crazy of a month it seemed to be.  Well, I had no idea that April would be even crazier!  In April, I came down with a bad case of “Green Fever”!  Now don’t you fret, and don’t you worry, “Green Fever” is a GOOD thing!  From the 2013 National 4-H Conference, to the Northwest Pennsylvania 4-H Teen Leadership Retreat & Camp Counselor Training, to Cambria County Officer Training, to Delaware Valley College’s A Days, my April was packed full of 4-H. 

Souvenirs from the
2013 National 4-H Conference

 Out of all of the events I attended in April, I cannot stress how powerful my experience was at the 2013 National 4-H Conference.  So what’s with my title “Somos Los PP’s”?  Well, in Spanish, it is translated to “We are the PP’s”.  Still confused?  Have no worries, I’ll explain what this is all about.

At the 2013 National 4-H Conference, two completely different delegations united together to become a family and share an indescribable bond.  The two groups joined forces for an unforgettable experience and time at the 2013 National 4-H Conference.  The delegation from Puerto Rico and the delegation from Pennsylvania teamed up throughout the entire week.  Sharing laughs, memories, and enjoying each other’s company, there wasn’t a dry eye whenever the two delegations parted ways at the end of the week.

PA Delegation Being Crazy!

Since it was the unification of Puerto Rico and Pennsylvania, the joke between the delegations was that we were “The PP’s”!  Although we are separated by miles and miles, the family-like bond we formed at the 2013 National 4-H Conference will be unchanged.  I know that we will reunite once again.  Until we do so, the phone calls, the video chats, and texts will keep us in contact with one another.  There was definitely something special that happened at the 2013 National 4-H Conference that bought Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico together.

Pennsylvania & Puerto Rico!

With that being said, go out and make the most of your 4-H experience.  Apply for the 2014 National 4-H Conference!  Don’t be afraid to dive right into all that 4-H has to offer.  You’ll make memories that will last a lifetime and friendships that don’t fade with time.  So don’t be afraid to get “Green Fever” and let your passion for 4-H show!

Until later,

Cassidy Baker

2012/2013 PA 4-H State Council President

"Though miles may lie between us,

we are never far apart,

for friendship doesn't count miles,

it's measured by the heart"

Putting Our Hands To Larger Service

                4-Hers everywhere know the 4-H pledge by heart. It’s an important thing to know, but it’s even more important to live by. The pledge tells us to do four things, pledge our heads to clearer thinking, our hearts to greater loyalty, our hands to larger service, and our health to better living.

                They’re all good things to do, but one in particular part has been on my mind recently. My county’s Teen Council club is putting their hands to larger service by participating in the local Relay for Life in a few weeks. This Relay for Life is an event that raises money and awareness about cancer and save lives of people who are affected by it.

                I am personally excited to be a part of this, as it is a cause that is important to me. One of the most influential people in my life passed away almost two years ago from cancer. My grandfather was always my biggest role model. He was the most kind hearted, hardworking, and entertaining person I have ever met. No matter where he went, someone knew him, or he would find someone new to talk to. Watching his struggle is part of the reason that I decided to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research. One day, I would like to be a part of developing or improving some type of medication that will help ease the suffering of cancer patients. 

  

              Recently, I have had another person who is close to me diagnosed with cancer, my aunt Karen. Luckily, she has done well through her treatment, and things are starting to look better for her.

                My inspiration for putting my hands to larger service may be different than yours.  However,   we should all find a cause that is important to us and support it to the best of our ability. There are so many different causes that could use the service of hardworking 4-H members. No matter what our motivation is, we are all working toward a common goal; to make the best better!

Traveling the state

One of the things that I do a lot these days is traveling.  It's funny how I am place geographically in PA that I can be in many other places around the US and even Canada. I mean really 45 minuets east I'll be in New York, 45 minuets west I'll be in Ohio, and 45 minuets north I'll be in Lake Erie.  It may seem weird to be someone to live somewhere that if you go the wrong way you might be in a different state within a short time, but for me the opposite is true.

For the same Time it takes me to go Pittsburgh, PA I could be in Cleveland, OH or even Buffalo, NY.  Instead of being at Penn State I could be at Ohio State or even Syracuse for the same time, not that I would want to be.   In less time then going to these university I could visit the Niagara Falls, ether US or Canada side.  A trip to Harrisburg, I've made that trip a few times, but I could be in Cincinnati, OH and use the same amount of fuel.  If I wanted to go to Philadelphia I might think to go to New York City for close to the same time.  For all the diffident places I can be I do stay in this state a lot.

One thing is for sure, I do like to travel the state and seeing the great things on the road. From the Rivers in Pittsburgh, to the mountains in central Pennsylvania, its all a great sight.  Even though I don't have to be in PA and that I could be in many other places, I can't find it in me to be in another state.  Pennsylvania is in my blood and I don't think it will leave me.



Sincerely,
VP of Internal Affairs & Sentinel
John Hess Jr.

What lies ahead...

The end of the school year is near and there's a lot going on!  Spring soccer had just started, our first game being the same day as my prom, SAT, and livestock weigh-in, this weekend!!  What a day that will be!
We also had a very successful Earth Day themed 4-H kickoff in my county with many of the attendees being either first year members or newly looking into the 4-H program.  What an experience for everyone to be there and see a small part of the park with us, learning about 4-H and why the environment is important.  Certainly a day to remember!
Camp will be starting soon and I'm excited to be working with all of my first year counselors and our many campers this summer!  I'll miss those counselors who won't be coming back greatly, but I know they have important stuff ahead of them and I'm proud of them and they work they've done.  I'm hoping the new counselors will be doing their best because they certainly do well in their training!
Alongside 4-H camp this summer, I've gotten a scholarship to attend an acting workshop for a week in June!  I'm very excited to be going to this camp because from what I've heard, it's extremely useful!  Hopefully I can see some of the friends I made from the recent play I was in and make some new ones during that week!

Anyone heard of Pseudonymous Bosch, the author of a series called the Secret Series?  I'm on the way to challenging the original way of doing an author research paper by researching the author Pseudonymous Bosch, the pen name used as the author of the Secret Series!  But what better way to keep his fans intrigued in his mystery novels by making himself a mystery?  Truly a mystery master, but I'm hoping that with what evidence I have, I'll be able to twist the original author research paper into a very fun and challenging research project to even entertain myself!  I am quite persistent in my research!

"Not all novelists are power-hungry madman.  Some are power-hungry madwomen."
~Pseudonymous Bosch, The Name of This Book is Secret