A Note from the Director:

Welcome to Pine Tree UIL Academics! Pine Tree ISD students have the opportunity to compete in UIL Academic competitions beginning in first grade. Our high school program supports academic competition through STEM, reading, writing, and history, theatrical performance and film, and speech and debate events.

Birch Elementary has been the district UIL champion for five consecutive years, and the junior high has been the district champion for three consecutive years. Last year the high school UIL team earned runner-up in District 15-5A for the first time in over a decade. The Pine Tree UIL Academics program seeks to create an inclusive learning environment where students develop confidence and enjoy competing academically. We welcome all students.

I am a proud Pine Tree graduate as well as a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington where I earned my Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in music. I joined Pine Tree in 2019 after 18 years at Hallsville HS where I served as a classroom teacher and the UIL Coordinator, leading them to state championships in 2014 and 2016. My wife Melissa and I have three kids, all who attended Pine Tree. The Bransons are a proud Pirate family!

I am here to serve our students and community. Please reach out to me to see how you can be a part of Pine Tree UIL Academics.

Sincerely,

Lee Branson, Director of Pine Tree Fine Arts and UIL Academics