Pennsylvania 4-H delegation attends White House turkey-pardoning ceremony

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Members of Pennsylvania 4-H had the unique opportunity to attend the annual turkey pardoning ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 25.

On the South Lawn, President Joe Biden pardoned two Thanksgiving turkeys, named Peach and Blossom, marking the 77th year of this tradition. The 40-plus-pound birds were named in honor of Delaware’s peach blossoms, the state flower of the president’s home state.

Representing Penn State were Jeff Hyde, director of Penn State Extension and associate dean in the College of Agricultural Sciences; Jeanette Stackhouse, Penn State Extension 4-H education specialist for leadership and civic engagement; and members of the Pennsylvania 4-H State Council, who serve as youth spokespeople for the state’s 4-H program.

“4-H provides opportunities for youth to grow and lead in ways they never imagined,” Hyde said. “Participating in a national tradition like this exemplifies the program’s ability to connect young people to meaningful experiences.”

Allison Emanuel, a 4-H member from Lehigh County, reflected on the experience.

“As part of the 2024 State Council, I was proud to represent 4-H and agriculture at the White House,” she said. “This opportunity reinforced the importance of 4-H in developing the next generation of leaders and agriculture’s critical role in our nation’s future.”

The State Council members engage in industry events, plan state-level initiatives, and participate in 4-H activities across Pennsylvania during their yearlong term.

For Sammi Strouse, from Schuylkill County, the visit was unforgettable.

“Walking up to see the turkeys and hearing the president’s speech was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said.

Reuben Knepper, of Fulton County, said the event was a remarkable part of his 4-H journey.

“From attending 4-H meetings as a young boy to standing on the White House lawn representing Pennsylvania’s 4-H program, it was an experience like no other,” he said. “New opportunity is given every day within 4-H, and this was one I’ll mark in the books for the ages.”

Alyssa Horton, of Huntingdon County, highlighted the ceremony’s exceptional moments, such as taking pictures of the turkeys, seeing the Marine Corps Band, meeting with National 4-H Council, and hearing the president of the United States give a speech.

“We had an experience that will stick with us for a lifetime,” she said.

Stackhouse expressed gratitude for the invitation for Pennsylvania 4-H to join this tradition at the White House, calling it an incredible honor.

“This is just one more example of the amazing opportunities this organization has provided me and countless others that may not have been possible otherwise,” she said. “To be able to share this experience with members of State Council will always be a great memory for me.”

Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the United States Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. To find a local program, visit the Pennsylvania 4-H website.