Chandler High School’s FFA chapter hosted its annual Parliamentary Procedure Invitational—better known as Parli Pro—on Nov. 12, 2025, offering students a hands-on introduction to one of FFA’s most fast-paced and technical competitions. The event, which teaches students how to run an organized meeting using Robert’s Rules of Order, brought together about twelve teams from Chandler, AAEC Estrella Mountain, Desert Ridge, and Tombstone High School.

CHS FFA President and senior Tamaiah Briggs explained that Chandler’s invitational is designed as a learning experience before teams begin official competition season. “Parli Pro Invitational is an event hosted by Chandler for a competitive opportunity with parli prior to actually committing to a team,” Briggs said. “It is the first time our students are exposed to the competition as it is required to have parli experience to get your chapter FFA degree.” Chandler divided its teams by class period, creating both Novice and Advanced divisions for students to experience the structure and pressure of real competition.

While Chandler did not place this year, Briggs said that was expected for a group of mostly first-time competitors. Estrella Mountain took first place in both divisions, but Briggs emphasized Chandler’s long-term success in the event. “Chandler has won plenty of awards with Parli, being 4x state champions and National Finalists this year,” she said.

Preparation for the invitational involved both practice and studying. Students spent weeks reviewing Robert’s Rules of Order, the century-old manual that outlines the rules of debate, motions, and formal procedure. They also practiced full run-throughs of mock meetings. Senior competitor Ellie Craig said her returning team focused on sharpening technique rather than learning from scratch. “We did a ton of run-throughs in class,” Craig said. “I was on a team that mainly had returning competitors, so we all understood how parli worked and were able to focus on our overall technique as a team.”

Both seniors said FFA has been a meaningful part of their high school experience. Briggs noted she has “enjoyed [her] time in FFA to the fullest,” whether through competitions, public speaking, or traveling for National Convention. Craig shared the same feeling, saying, “I feel like I’ve come full circle. I love meeting the underclassmen and getting to be a leader for them. I still remember looking up to the seniors when I was an underclassman, and I hope I can help the underclassmen the way those seniors helped me.”

Looking ahead, Craig said she is excited for the state Ag Mechanics competition and the upcoming Leadership Development Events season. Like many CHS competitors, she hopes Chandler will continue its winning tradition. “Hopefully Chandler can win state again for Parliamentary Procedure,” she said.