NORFOLK, Neb. -- The Poetry Club at Norfolk High School is now an official allied activity.

The Board of Education made this decision Wednesday afternoon during its rescheduled board meeting.

The poetry club, better known as "All Writes Reserved" (AWR) started as an affiliated club in 2019. In that time, the club has grown both in membership and success, increasing membership from 7 to 15 people.

The club also made it to the semi-finals during the state competition in the 2021-22 school year and placed second in the 2022-23 school year.

During the meeting, members of All Writes Reserved spoke to the board about their experience with the club. Members expressed their admiration for what the club has done for them including developing writing skills, giving them an emotional outlet, and being a great personal experience.

While most board members voiced support for the club, some spoke against the program becoming an allied activity. Board member Cindy Booth said that while she sees the club as worthy, she wouldn't be ruling in favor of the club due to financial implications and the precedent it sets for other pilot programs.

"If you look at the numbers of activities, clubs both allied and affiliated, they have more than doubled," Booth said in a statement before the vote. "Though they may all be worthy...it is time to be aware of fiscal responsibility. We can't always have what we want, but we have to set our priorities according to our needs."

Board members voted 5-1 in favor of approving AWR as an allied activity starting next school year in 2024.

Booth was the only board member to vote against the decision.

By becoming an allied activity, the club will have an official coach, who would be paid $1,578.28.

It will also cost the District $400 for AWR to compete against other schools.

Michael Grove, the current sponsor of AWR, will become its official coach next school year.