Upstate youth clinch sixth consecutive national wildlife title as S.C. hosts championship
August 26, 2026
When South Carolina hosted the National Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) championship this month for the first time in 28 years, local Upstate students proved once again that our region is a powerhouse for youth agricultural and environmental education.
Pendleton High School captured its sixth consecutive national championship in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) division, with team member Cooper Lindley earning first place in the nation as the top overall individual competitor. Coached by Thomas Marshall, the winning squad also featured Elijah Glenn, McKinley Arthur-Banning, and Sarah Bridgeman.
The national competition—headquartered in North Myrtle Beach with fieldwork conducted at Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve—drew 18 elite youth teams from 15 states across the country to test their mastery of wildlife ecology, species identification, and ecosystem management.
What it means for the Golden Strip
While the championship banner heads to Anderson County, the victory highlights a booming agricultural and natural resources pipeline that directly connects back to students and families across Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn.
The WHEP program, managed statewide through Clemson Cooperative Extension, serves as the curriculum backbone for 4-H clubs and FFA chapters across Greenville County. For local Golden Strip youth active in area agricultural programs—from Hillcrest and Woodmont High FFA to local Clemson Extension 4-H clubs—the competition provides a real-world pathway into high-demand careers in forestry, wildlife biology, and agricultural education.
South Carolina’s dominant run began when Clemson Extension revived the statewide WHEP program in 2019. Since then, Palmetto State teams have brought home seven national championship titles.
Beyond the trophies, the program equips the next generation of land stewards with practical skills to manage the region’s changing landscapes. As the Upstate continues its rapid residential growth, the expertise these students develop in habitat conservation, soil health, and watershed protection will play an essential role in preserving South Carolina’s natural heritage for years to come.
