Bear River’s FFA Chapter’s Advanced Parliamentary Procedure team took first place at State competition and is moving onto Nationals in Indianapolis, Ind.

FFA Advisor Steve Paasch expressed his pride for his students’ achievements.

“The Parli-Pro teams did an excellent job of moving through the brackets, with the advanced team not only making the finals but winning the competition as well,” said Mr. Paasch.

Not only did the team as a whole place first, Junior Sam Davis won High Chair, and Senior Sam Nichols won High Chairman. Students say this is an incredible honor for the chapter.

“Sam Nichols was named Outstanding Chairman; Sam Davis received Outstanding Chair number four,” said Mr. Paasch. “Other team members of the State winning team included Julia Yoder, C.J. Paul, Catharine Renner, and Justin Kilgore.”

The advanced Parliamentary Procedure team entered State finals with hopes and spirits high.

“My goal at State finals was top 3,” said Senior Justin Kilgore. “I wanted that for us because the two teams that placed above us had beat us every contest leading up to State finals, and I would’ve been satisfied with third.”

Senior Julia Yoder also held high expectations for her team.

“I expected making the top 6 in the state because we were talented and had the skills to compete with the best,” said Yoder.

Yoder went on to say how she felt when they won.

“I felt relief, shock, and excitement when we won,” she said.

The advanced Parliamentary Procedure team, which is comprised a majority of seniors, felt like this was their crowning glory.

“When we got first, I felt the same satisfaction I felt the last two times,” said Kilgore. “It was extra special knowing it was my last State finals contest and I finished with a dub (win). My favorite moment was finishing our finals round flawlessly knowing we had the best round of our lives.”

Mr. Paasch expressed his love for the seniors that accomplished so much this year.

“This group of seniors is one of the finest to ever complete the Ag program at Bear River High School,” said Mr. Paasch.

The team wasn’t only competitive at the competition but left time for some fun, which helped them on their way to victory.

“My favorite part was right before our final round, we were the last ones in the holding room,” said FFA President and Senior C.J. Paul. “I stopped studying about 20 minutes before we were called out and just started cleaning up the room and organizing chairs. After a few minutes of doing this, the rest of the team stopped studying and joined me. We then all started singing and goofing off which put us all in a really good mood/mindset for the round.”

Novice Parliamentary Procedure also put forth a strong effort, making it into the Semi-finals.

“The Novice team also had a strong showing as they worked very hard and advanced into the Semi-finals,” said Mr. Paasch.

Advanced Parliamentary Procedure wasn’t the only team to compete at State. Senior and FFA Vice President Catharine Renner placed second in Prepared Speaking, Sophomore Michaela Nichols placed fourth in Impromptu Speaking, and Novice Parliamentary Procedure took 7th.

Renner’s favorite moment was when the chapter as a whole achieved great heights.

“My favorite moment about State finals was when we were announced state champions and when Michaela Nichols and I made it to the top four in our individual competitions,” said Renner. “Having two people from one school be in the top in the state is pretty rare.”

Mr. Paasch commented on how memorable state finals really was.

“The trip will long be remembered by all who attended,” said Mr. Paasch.

— Massiel Chavez contributed to this report.