Learning parliamentary procedures and law for one competition is difficult enough, but to learn it for two entirely different competition formats is almost impossible. Well, it wasn’t impossible for the Mission High School team that qualified for State for the FFA Parliamentary Procedure category in the fall and soon will be headed to State again. This time, for the SkillsUSA competition.
“Our team is really experienced having already participated in the FFA State competition and qualifying for State in SkillsUSA makes me feel that we are doing pretty good,” states Jorge Salinas, Parliamentary Procedure Vice President. “I feel parliamentary procedure has been very beneficial for me because I get to apply it to the real world, and I am prepared for what comes next.”
The same team members are on both teams and had to adapt their previous format to coincide with the SkillsUSA requirements so that they could be ready for March 30th when the SkillsUSA State competition begins. This is something they never would have imagined that would happen, but it did. Now, they are absolutely prepared to take on their opponents.
“When I started going to Mr. Benito Garza’s class, I got to see how the team was coming together and we were practicing for the competition, I just love it,” states Alessandra Serda, Parliamentary Procedure Secretary. “I have learned so much from my teacher and teammates. There is so much thought and problem solving that goes into parliamentary procedures.”
These organizations are not just about competition, but they are also about helping students grow in areas they may have not thought possible. Building them up and helping them develop skills that are beneficial for them now and in the future.
“My older siblings convinced me to join FFA and that is where it all started,” states Kevin Calderon, Parliamentary Procedure Parliamentarian. “I have been competing for a few years and the one thing both these organizations have helped me with, is my public speaking. I have always had trouble with public speaking and participating in this category requires it. Now I’m more comfortable with it.”
These students have learned and demonstrated that they have complete knowledge and understanding of Parliamentary Law and Roberts Rules of Order. They have several accolades under their belt, they have won District Champions in Chapter Business Procedures, Six Gold Medals and have advanced to the SkillsUSA State Contest. This year they have won District Champions for both organizations and will represent MCISD in the State Finals for a second time this school year.
The SkillsUSA State Contest is set for March 30th-April3rd in Corpus Christi TX. The FFA Parliamentary Procedure and the SkillsUSA team are under the direction of Benito Garza, MHS CTE Agriculture teacher.