As a result of the recently implemented mega lunch schedule, existing organizations are rapidly expanding, and new clubs are taking off.

“Now that mega lunch is here, [our clubs have] gotten pretty big,” Challenge Day Club and TACO Tuesday Club sponsor Jeanna Sutton said. “We’ve had to bring extra chairs in the lecture hall.”

With an hour of lunch time, students are able to gain more freedom in their schedules and club choices.

“Mega lunch has made me a little bit more involved,” junior Gabriella Cate said. “Maybe the more I figure it out, I’ll get a little more involved and join some more clubs.”

Organizations like National Honor Society (NHS), Student Council, and Unicef that meet every week now only take 30 minutes of the extended lunch period.

“I like that you can still eat and enjoy your lunch; it’s not like you have to be in the club the whole time,” Cate said. “You know, you get to go halfway and still enjoy lunch.”

Combining A and B lunches has also allowed clubs like Challenge Day to extend their outreach to more students.

“Challenge Day Club obviously focuses on anti-bullying and just making everybody feel included and respectful,” Sutton said. “I am constantly talking to kids about affirming each other and building each other up and using their words of life instead of tearing each other down. I’m hoping that it’s made a positive difference.”

Several new organizations like the Board Game Club and the Not Partisan Political Club offer a wide range of options for student interests.

“[Through these new clubs] I get to talk to a lot more people who I have never interacted with before,” senior Blake Manos said.

With plenty of time now allotted, students can find others who also enjoy their hobbies.

“Mega lunch is good because it allows you to have more clubs, and if you get to join more clubs, you talk to people who have similar interests as you,” Cate said.

Block lunch schedule has allowed for plenty of new clubs to spark nearly every student’s interest and increase participation in school sponsored activities.

“I was a part of [NHS, Student Council, and Challenge Day Club] before the start of mega lunch, but I enjoy the fact that now I can attend the meetings and still have time for other activities and study time,” junior Natalie Brown said. “These organizations are a great way for me to stay involved in our school.”