If you’ve ever walked past room 183, you’ve probably noticed that it’s never quiet. The school’s only lecture hall is a large space that has become one of the busiest and most versatile rooms, hosting everything from spirited club meetings to serious school-wide lessons. Whether it’s a Monday after-school Model United Nations meeting, a Thursday Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) training during lunch, or a full SGA class during fourth period, the walls of 183 hold a little bit of everything.
Throughout the week, the lecture hall transforms depending on the time and day. On Mondays, it becomes a miniature United Nations, where students represent countries and negotiate global issues during Model UN meetings. Rows of desks face the front stage, giving speakers a platform to practice formal diplomacy and persuasive communication.
Model UN is a club built upon a foundation of public speaking. “In order to foster confidence within our members and get them comfortable in foreign environments, it’s necessary to put them in a situation where they feel like they’re giving a speech. The lecture hall is perfect for this, as it puts the speaker at the center of attention with everyone facing them and builds presentational skills that can be used in all facets of life,” Model UN Director-General Nikolai Prykupenko said.
On Thursdays, room 183 shifts gears from diplomacy to business. DECA meets during lunch, filling every row with students preparing for competitions. The lecture hall provides the structure and space DECA needs to train effectively.
With dozens of members working through practice roleplays and marketing strategies, the space’s size allows for both group instruction and collaboration, which is something that would be nearly impossible in a smaller classroom. “It ensures that every student has a seat to properly learn and understand DECA, especially when we start our training meetings leading up to competitions,” Maryland DECA Vice President of Public Relations Maria Thomas said.
However, it’s not just clubs that rely on room 183. The room also serves an important academic and administrative role. College representatives, like those from Towson University, who came on Thursday, Oct. 23, visit the lecture hall to meet with students and answer questions about applications, campus life and scholarships. It’s an opportunity to directly connect with admissions counselors.
Additionally, the room hosted Montgomery County’s required Signs of Suicide (SOS) lessons during English class periods. The sessions gave students a space to learn about mental health awareness and support systems in a setting that feels both professional and comfortable.
During fourth period, the lecture hall is home to a combined SGA and senior planning class. The unique class has over 50 students who organize events, fundraisers and spirit activities for the school. “We break into our different committees to go work on upcoming events,” junior class president Manasa Iyer said.
Even though the room itself is simple, with rows of seats, a desk and a Boxlight, what happens inside is extraordinary. It’s where the school’s ideas, voice and ambitions come to life.
