The Student Government Association meetings have become so popular that many at Thursday’s session had to stand or sit on the floor, and that drew a mixed reaction from Lili Tzou.

“I think the growing number of people in SGA is good because SGA can have more help doing activities,” the senior said. “But I also think it’s bad because it’s harder to conduct meetings, and there’s not enough space in [history teacher Bob] Sarver’s portable for everyone.”

Many at the meeting attributed the club’s sudden popularity to Power Hour, a new plan that provides students and teachers with a 53-minute window at lunch time for tutoring, test make-ups and club meetings. District budget cuts eliminated one of teachers’ two planning periods last year, along with the school’s twice-monthly club meeting periods. As a result, the 75 clubs on campus fell to just over 40 because student were unwilling or unable to attend meeting after or before school. Power Hour has provided club members and sponsors an opportunity to once again meet during the day, causing a resurgence of interest not only in SGA, but in other clubs as well.

Members met Thursday to discuss plans for Homecoming and Spirit Week which will be held during the last week in September. In addition, the club instituted a point system requiring each member to help out at events and to attend meetings.

Senior Kristina Youngson appeared happy with Thursday’s turnout.

“The more people we have, the better,” the SGA secretary said. “It gives us the opportunity to have more ideas and get extra help.”