The 4-H organization in Monroe County was honored Wednesday with a special proclamation by the Monroe County commissioners.

The proclamation recognized that Pennsylvania 4-H Week would be March 15 to 21.

Commissioner Sharon Laverdure read the proclamation, which stated that “4-H is America’s largest youth development organization supporting nearly 6 million youth across the country and whereas 4-H has helped 400 youth in Monroe County to become confident, independent, resilient and compassionate leaders as they learn by doing.”

The 4-H youth program in Pennsylvania functions as a part of the Penn State Cooperative Extension.

In Monroe County, it is organized by Erin Greenleaf, an extension educator for 4-H/youth development at Penn State Extension Monroe County in Stroudsburg.

She was present for the proclamation and accompanied by four members of the Monroe County Teen Council for 4-H to receive the certificate.

The teens who accompanied Greenleaf were Micah Staples, president of the Monroe County Teen Council; Abigail Smith, vice president; Isabella Haley, photographer; and Grace Smith, secretary.

As Laverdure read from the proclamation, she said that 4-H has groups in all 67 counties of the state with a membership of more than 150,485 youths ages 5 to 18 and a network of staff and more than 3,754 adult volunteers.

The staff and volunteers “engage and mentor youth learning activities and hands-on projects” in topics such as animal science, STEM civic engagement, and health and wellness.

They also help the children develop leadership and problem solving skills, explore careers, get involved in the community and make friends.