The Brownwood High School Horticulture team is headed to FFA State competition in Huntsville this week.  The team is just as excited about the road trip as they are about going to compete.  That is because one of their team members, Brian, will be getting a whirlwind tour of Texas history, culture and ecology from the rest of his team mates and instructor.

Chung Yuan Lui, otherwise know as “Brian,” is an exchange student from Taiwan and a high-scoring member of the horticulture team.  He has been in Brownwood since the beginning of the school year, and is dreading leaving Texas in a few weeks.

The horticulture team and their teacher, Melissa Cockerham, have taken Brian under their wing, and want to show him as much of Texas as they can.  “We are going to be taking detours on our way to Huntsville,” said team member, Kate Atchley.  They plan on showing him various native plants and famous Texas icons, like the 67 foot tall Sam Houston statue in Huntsville.

Brian is very interested in agriculture, and joining the high school ag department gave him the chance to “do what he wanted.”  Brian said being in the BHS ag department has also taught him leadership.  “Mrs. Cockerham really helped us a lot in going to State,” said Brian.  The Horticulture team won second in Area, and has high hopes for the State competition.

“When we go to contest, other teams ask about Brian,” said Kate.  “They think he is really smart.”

Photo Caption:  State qualifying BHS horticulture team are Brian Lui, Kate Atchley, Taylor Lemmons, Courtney Murray and J.C. Pitts.