Three students from Monroe County became national champions at the 2026 National 4-H Forestry Invitational in Weston, W. Va. from July 19-23. Aiden McKenzie, Carter Williamson, and Will Thomas won the top spot after being lead by coach Greg Austin.

The team competed against 15 other teams including the second place Georgia team and the third place Florida team. Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia also competed at the invitational.

McKenzie had the highest overall individual score in the contest. Lily Stobb from Georgia took second place, and Carver Deaton from West Virginia took third.

The forestry judging divisions are tree ID, insect and disease ID, compass and pacing, tree measurement, topographic maps, forest evaluation, forestry quiz bowl, and a forestry exam. The Tennessee team won the forestry quiz bowl.

Congratulations to this team!