Shine Greatness

The event of the year has come and gone just as quickly as it arrived, National FFA Convention. Throughout convention we saw student's from across the nation "Shine Greatness," as the retiring National FFA Officer Caleb Gustin proclaimed during session. FFA members have a way of shining their greatness where ever they go. Each and everyone of them chose to go above and beyond what is expected of them in the classroom to better each of their lives. Some individuals chose to better develop themselves in; livestock evaluation, some public speaking, and for a very select group parliamentary procedure.

This select group of students have chosen to exemplify the meaning of shining greatness. They have worked extremely hard to finally reach the big stage at national convention where they are able to put their skills to the test. It is truly inspiring to witness both the novice and senior parliamentary events. It is evident that each student not only practiced regularly with their teams but have also gone above and beyond to prepare for the event.

As these students grace the stage for the finals round, it is their time to shine greatness. A time to demonstrate all their hard work. A time to recognize all their dedication has finally paid off. Each state has amplified their reason for making it to the finals.

I was able to learn so much about teaching parliamentary procedure as well as well as how the career development event is run. Not only did I get to experience the novice event first hand I was able to be inspired by the students participating in the senior event. I cannot wait to take what I learned through these experiences to help my own students develop these skills and shine greatness.

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.

Royers' Parli Pro Refletions from National Convention

I feel fortunate to have been able to attend the 88th National FFA Convention with the Athens FFA Chapter from Bradford County, Pennsylvania. I will be student teaching at Athens in the Spring, and was very excited to spend time with Mr. Steinfelt, the agriculture instructor at Athens, as well as 12 seniors from the Ag Program. We had a busy week experiencing the Expo Hall, the FFA Mall, the sessions, and Louisville. Therefore, I unfortunately was unable to attend the Parli Pro sessions in person.

With the marvels of technology comes recorded sessions! I was therefore able to experience the final round of the FFA Parliamentary Procedure Event right in the comfort of my own home. I was floored! I thought to myself, WOW, this really is the SuperBowl of Career Development Events

I watched the first two teams compete, Oklahoma and Wyoming. I was very impressed with the thoughtful debates from both teams. Additionally, neither team was speaking as fast and jumbled as other Parli Pro events I have witnessed, this impressed me.

The Parli Pro team from Wyoming!

The questions round was actually extremely stressful to watch! I was literally biting my lips watching as some of the students struggled with the questions. The combination of the high stakes situation, the crowd, the questions given orally etc. makes for a stressful situation!

Overall, it was very beneficial to watch the finals. These are the best and most prepared teams in the nation. The videos online are also a beneficial resource that I can share with students in the future!

Best
-Sarabeth Royer