Posted: November 4, 2025
Five Pennsylvania 4-H members were among 29 youth from across the Northeast who recently participated in the fifth annual Northeast States SpeakUp Fest.
The Northeast States SpeakUp Fest is a virtual event empowering youth ages 13-19 to enhance and showcase their communication skills. Organized through a collaborative effort among 4-H programs in the region, the event provides a supportive platform for young people to engage in public speaking.
Participants were selected based on their performance in state-level 4-H public speaking events. Contestants represented Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. Youth delivered presentations on topics they are passionate about, ranging from agriculture and science to personal experiences and creative storytelling.
A key component of the SpeakUp Fest is the constructive feedback provided by trained evaluators and peers, which helps participants refine their communication abilities and build confidence. The event not only celebrates the achievements of young speakers but also fosters personal growth, leadership, and the development of lifelong skills essential for academic and career success, organizers noted.
The Pennsylvania 4-H members who competed in the contest were Adrian Davis, of Franklin County; Annabelle Ewing, of Huntingdon County; Maggie Haan, of Berks County; Zephan Samuel, of Butler County; and Gradyn Sanders, of Lebanon County. Davis and Samuel each placed second in their respective cohorts during the contest.
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.
