San Luis Obispo High School students debate their way to the 2026 finals. Photo credit @sanluisobispoffa

  San Luis Obispo High School Ag students went to UC Davis on March 6 to participate in the Parliamentary Procedure Debate Contest with all three teams making the finals. 

  “Our Novice and Advanced Parliamentary Procedure Teams competed at UC Davis. The Novice Team got first place with Bennett Mallory, Angelina Woolsey, and Beau Wighton receiving high chairs. Our Advanced team A got second place with Mila Shih receiving high chair, and our Advanced Team B got fifth place with Collin Edwards receiving high chair,” said ag teacher Jamie Jennings.

  SLOHS’ FFA program runs the debate team with students working in teams to compete in events all over California. Parliamentary procedure debate is a lot more than just arguing.

  “Parliamentary Procedure is a FFA leadership development event that challenges a team of six students to consider, debate, and process a motion while utilizing parliamentary law,” said senior Mila Shih.

  Students are given topics and face other schools in a battle of knowledge. In the end the team with the stronger argument wins.

  “The goal of parliamentary procedure debate is to reach a civil conclusion regarding an FFA related topic with your teammates using parliamentary law and procedures to guide your discussion,” said sophomore Collin Edwards.

  Teamwork is the one of the most important parts of Debate and it can make or break a team. Luckily SLOHS’ teamwork is outstanding, giving them the upper hand.

  “In contests, our team works together by practicing questions together, being supportive to each other, and backing each other up during the rounds. Teamwork is a really important part to being successful in Parliamentary Procedure,” said Edwards.

  SLOHS’ debate team puts in a lot of work and as a result is very successful. If you want to join, or just learn more, go to the agriculture science CTE building.