Forestry Team Recognized for Service at National Event in Washington
AAMU Students Earn National Recognition Through U.S. Forest Service Partnership
Alabama A&M University students recently earned national recognition for their professionalism, service and public engagement while representing the University alongside the U.S. Forest Service at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.
Four AAMU forestry students — seniors Alayna Battle of Huntsville, Alabama; David Green of Dallas; and Elijah McCray of Tuskegee, Alabama; along with Christopher Burns of Memphis, Tennessee, who graduated in May and now works in Extension — joined AAMU Forester Jeremy Whigham and U.S. Forest Service Student and Emerging Professionals Program Manager Stephanie Love in supporting the agency’s exhibit and engaging with thousands of visitors.
Throughout the week, the students assisted with daily equipment setup, conducted public demonstrations and interacted directly with fairgoers. U.S. Forest Service leaders praised the students for their professionalism, adaptability and willingness to step in wherever needed, including assisting visitors experiencing heat-related illness during the extreme summer temperatures.
Their efforts earned formal commendations from U.S. Forest Service leadership, including the agency’s chief, who recognized the team’s outstanding performance and service.
Chris Burns, Elijah McCray, U.S. Forest Service Program Manager Stephanie Love, Alayna Battle and David Green pose with crosscut saws during the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.
For Battle, who was the first Black student to integrate Lee Academy in Marianna, Arkansas, is a Junior Olympian and an 1890 Scholar, representing AAMU at the national event marked another milestone.
“Trailblazing is what I do,” Battle said.
The AAMU team also helped bring forestry education to life for visitors. Crowds gathered to watch and cheer as students demonstrated the use of a traditional crosscut saw, while Whigham drew audiences with chainsaw demonstrations. Despite the intense heat, the team delivered energetic, hands-on programming that introduced visitors to forestry practices and the work of the U.S. Forest Service.
“I never imagined that representing Alabama A&M and the Forest Service would include running a chainsaw on the National Mall, but it became one of the most memorable parts of the experience,” Whigham said. “The Forest Service’s hospitality made this once-in-a-lifetime experience even more memorable and enjoyable. Even the work was fun.”
The experience extended beyond the fairgrounds. Following the event, the AAMU group participated in an educational and cultural immersion experience hosted by the Forest Service. The students received a private tour of the agency’s historic headquarters in the Sidney R. Yates Federal Building and climbed its clock tower for a view of the nation’s capital. They also received an exclusive first look at the Forest Service’s new animatronic Smokey Bear.
AAMU Forester Jeremy Whigham demonstrates chainsaw skills during the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Capitol in the background.
The group visited several Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History and National Museum of Natural History. The visits gave students opportunities to explore the nation’s history, culture and scientific achievements while gaining a broader perspective on careers and service within the federal government.
The weeklong experience highlighted the growing partnership between Alabama A&M and the U.S. Forest Service and the opportunities that collaboration creates for students. Through hands-on experiences, professional exposure and direct interaction with federal leaders and the public, AAMU students are gaining skills that can prepare them for careers in forestry, natural resources and public service.
The partnership also advances AAMU and the U.S. Forest Service’s shared commitment to developing the next generation of natural resources professionals while expanding pathways from the classroom to careers.
For Battle, the experience represented another milestone in a journey already marked by breaking barriers — and reinforced what she believes is possible beyond Alabama A&M.
“This moment is a star in the sky of my life, and I feel very blessed to have been a part of Alabama A&M history,” Battle said. “I started here, and by the grace of God, I can go anywhere.”
From left, AAMU Forester Jeremy Whigham and students David Green, Alayna Battle, Elijah McCray and Christopher Burns pose with a crosscut saw during the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.