Sunlight filtered through the pine trees at Clemson University’s Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville as students stepped off the trails and into the woods, clipboards in hand and eyes fixed on the world around them.
Some searched for clues in the landscape. Others debated the best way to improve habitat for a target species. Every task asked students to observe carefully, think critically and trust what they had learned.
That was the goal of the State Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) contest, held April 24. The annual event, hosted through Clemson Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development and South Carolina FFA, gives young people the chance to learn by doing while building confidence, teamwork and leadership skills that can last far beyond a single day of competition.
Twenty-five teams from across South Carolina competed in the junior and senior divisions, tackling the kinds of challenges wildlife and natural resource professionals face every day. Students identified species, evaluated habitat conditions, created management plans and explained their decisions before judges.
“This contest gives young people the chance to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting while building confidence and leadership skills,” said Mallory Maher, a certified wildlife biologist and natural resources Extension associate. “They gain experience in critical thinking, teamwork and stewardship while building a stronger connection to South Carolina’s natural resources.”
For many students, the journey began months before they arrived in Blackville. Teams met regularly to study wildlife biology, practice scenarios and prepare for the fast-paced environment of competition day. Along the way, students learned how to communicate under pressure, solve problems together and support one another as teammates.
The contest also creates a cycle of mentorship. Former senior competitors often return to coach younger teams, share lessons from their own experience and encourage students who are just getting started. Today’s contestants often become tomorrow’s leaders.
WHEP also introduces students to future careers. The same skills used during the contest — observation, analysis, communication and teamwork — help prepare young people for pathways in wildlife management, forestry, conservation, environmental science and other natural resource fields.
The day ended with plaques, ribbons, celebrations and new opportunities.
Aynor Middle School won the junior division. In the senior 4-H division, Oconee 4-H claimed first place after competing up a level with a junior-age team. Because those students are not yet age-eligible for the national contest, reserve champion Governor’s School of Agriculture 4-H earned South Carolina’s qualifying spot. Pendleton FFA captured the senior FFA title and also advanced to nationals.
South Carolina’s qualifying teams will compete at the 2026 National WHEP Competition, scheduled for July 26-29 in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Complete results
Junior Division
1st — Aynor Middle School
Knox Martin, Taylor Sawyer, Emerson Rabon
Teacher: James Robert
2nd — Wonders of Wildlife-Berkeley 4-H
Summer Zumstein, Dezarie Zumstein, Elizabeth Simmons
3rd — Oconee County 4-H
Wyatt Bruce, Frederick Bolon, Jon Terry, Zane Murphy
Senior 4-H Division
1st — Oconee 4-H
McKenzie Bennett, Aerin Skye Graham, Sophie Holland, Iphis Roper
Coaches: Gina Spear and Jon Murphy
Reserve Champion / National Qualifier — Governor’s School for Agriculture 4-H
Nadia Felder, Violet Hogan, Lena Richardson, Adaline Epting
FFA Advisor and Teacher: Hunter Morton
3rd — Anderson/Pendleton 4-H
Tripp Pittman, Elijah Glenn, Amelia Sinwell
Because the Oconee 4-H team members are not yet age-eligible for the national contest, the reserve champion team will represent South Carolina at nationals.
Senior FFA Division
1st / National Qualifier — Pendleton FFA
Cooper Lindley, Sarah Bridgeman, Drake Herron, McKinley Arthir-Banning
FFA Advisor and Teacher: Blake Berry
2nd — Governor’s School FFA
Garland Wilson, Montgomery Fenton, Ivy McDonald, Cooper Carter
3rd — Ware Shoals FFA
Zyann Lyda, Destin Lewis, Christina Young, Meredith Vinson
Individual honors
Junior Wildlife Challenge
- Summer Zumstein, Berkeley 4-H
- Penelope Noordhuizen, Oconee 4-H
- Wyatt Bruce, Oconee 4-H
Senior Wildlife Challenge
- McKinley Arthir-Banning, Pendleton FFA
- Drake Herron, Pendleton FFA
- Sophie Holland, Oconee 4-H
On-Site Recommendations for Wildlife Management Practices
- Sarah Bridgeman, Pendleton FFA
- Brooks Whetsell, Governor’s School for Agriculture 4-H
- Drake Herron, Pendleton FFA
At Clemson, hosting the contest remains one more example of the land-grant mission in motion: opening doors for young people, building confidence through experience and helping the next generation discover what is possible.
About South Carolina 4-H
South Carolina 4-H, the youth development program of Clemson Cooperative Extension, helps young people build confidence, leadership and life skills through hands-on learning. Through clubs, camps, school programs and special events, youth across the state explore agriculture, STEM, healthy living, natural resources and civic engagement. To learn more or get involved, visit the South Carolina 4-H website.
