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Barrington board honors BHS runner Mia Sirwa after third straight 3,200‑meter state title
Summary
Barrington CUSD 220 recognized Barrington High senior Mia Sirwa for winning a third individual state title in the 3,200-meter run; the board and athletic staff praised her athletic record, sportsmanship and college commitment to Notre Dame.
The Barrington CUSD 220 Board of Education opened a special July meeting by recognizing Barrington High School runner Mia Sirwa for an unprecedented third straight individual state title in the 3,200‑meter race.
Superintendent Dr. Winkelman introduced the recognition and invited the district athletic director to the podium, who described Sirwa’s state‑winning performances and national honors. The athletic director said the student’s recent winning time was reported in remarks and noted that Sirwa also earned national recognition as the Gatorade Player of the Year for the most recent school year. "It is my absolute honor to bring to the podium, someone who continues to raise the bar of excellence, our 3‑time individual state champion in the 3,200 meter run, Mia Sirwa," the athletic director said.
Mia Sirwa—introduced by the athletic director and speaking to the board—described returning from a summer injury and the adjustments she made to train: "I had been out with injury... I had to learn how to push myself in different ways, like in the pool and on the bike," she said. She told the board she is aiming for team and individual goals in the upcoming senior season and mentioned a verbal commitment to run for Notre Dame in 2027.
Board members congratulated Sirwa and noted both her competitive record and character. One board member referenced Sirwa’s sportsmanship: "After every race, she stands at the finish line to greet her competitors with a high five or a hug," adding that her leadership and humility reflect well on the district.
The recognition concluded with a short question‑and‑answer exchange about training and the student’s goals, a group photo, and applause from the board and attendees. The board said it will continue to highlight student and staff achievements at upcoming meetings.
The board’s recognition was ceremonial and did not require action; the district will post additional details about fall athletics and student celebrations on its back‑to‑school webpage scheduled to go live Aug. 5.
