Posted: April 23, 2024
Alexis Sykes, a Pennsylvania 4-H alumna from Sullivan County, was invited by the National 4-H Council to sing the national anthem and recite the 4-H pledge at a recent national conference for land-grant university and agricultural research leaders in Washington D.C.
"I loved being up there," Sykes said. "Being out of high school and not being on a stage as much, it feels nice to show people what I have to offer during events like this."
The Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching conference provides a forum for national legislative advocacy for agricultural research, extension, and teaching programs in the land-grant university system.
Sykes said she felt honored performing for such prestigious individuals, including leaders from across the country. After her performance, she had the opportunity to mingle with university representatives.
Sykes also performed on the national 4-H stage this past fall at the National 4-H Hall of Fame ceremonies and the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals conference in Pittsburgh.
"She has confidence and poise and is comfortable having a presence in front of a crowd," said Sandra Pardoe, 4-H extension educator from Sullivan County. "She sang the national anthem acapella, in front of hundreds of people. Her hard work and dedication were evident. Being part of 4-H provided her with a platform beyond high school to perform."
While in 4-H, Sykes participated for two years in an expressive arts camp run by Pardoe. 4-H members learned various artistic skills, including the ukulele, cupcake decorating, acrylic painting, sand painting, mozzarella cheese making, and other arts.
Sykes said that 4-H has taught her teamwork, independence, and life skills. The hands-on experience with arts and crafts allowed her to try new forms of art and gain knowledge. She also appreciated the opportunity to express her creativity, make friends, and build memories.
Sykes works at her family-owned bakery while researching colleges for music education; she is passionate about jazz music. She performs with a community jazz band, entertains at nursing homes, and sings at her local church.
She also hopes to give back by giving singing lessons to children in her community.
"If I can help others see and enjoy my same love for music, I'll feel like I'm doing something right and my purpose is being fulfilled," she said.
Pardoe noted that by giving singing lessons, Sykes is stepping into the role of mentor for other children on their journey.
"This aligns with our 4-H values of turning around and teaching the next generation," Pardoe said. "By sharing her talents, she's helping others rise to her level of skill and creativity."
Sykes expressed gratitude for everyone who helped her access these opportunities to perform on the national 4-H stage.
"It was such an honor," she said. "I loved every single moment of it, and I appreciate the time they all took to help me get there."
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.
