The Superbowl of CDEs

The stage is set, the contestants are ready, one minute of silence, and then "tap, tap, tap", the meeting comes to order. The 2015 Parliamentary Procedure CDE competition held at the 88th Annual National FFA Convention continually remains competitive year to year. With a diversity of states represented and always the best-of-the-best competing, the atmosphere feels similar to one of the Superbowl. I watched the final round digitally and I felt the focus, preparedness, and excitement the competing students had through my screen.

With being newly introduced to Parli Pro this semester, I was incredibly impressed by the students competing. They all demonstrated poise, confidence, and knowledge during, what seems to me, a fast paced contest. Preparation and practice is the way to be successful in this CDE and that was reiterated to me after watching the finals. Parli Pro is also a team event and knowing your team members strengths and weaknesses benefits the team in its entirety during this competition. Also the restriction of verbal communication among members within the CDE while competing forces teams to rely on their knowledge of the contest as well as picking up on the ques their teammates give them to set each other up for success.

Having all sights set on bring home the gold, Parli Pro is no joke to many. I roomed with a Parli Pro coach and through conversation, learned the hours of preparation it takes to be successful. It also takes passion and drive to coach the team. It was inspiring to listen to a PA Ag teacher who is so passionate about Parli Pro and giving and doing everything to ensure her students are as successful as they can be. As soon as the competition was over she discussed what she is prepared to do for next year to prepare her next team after participating in the Parli Pro contest for the first time.