Niwot High School Senior Spotlight: Mila Barinek

The Left Hand Valley Courier is known for its coverage of athletes and arts students at Niwot High School (NHS). In addition to arts and athletics, the Courier honors an array of students who choose to pursue activities such as community service, robotics, academics, and topics that fall under the S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) umbrella.

Niwot High School senior Mila Barinek has displayed academic excellence throughout her past three-and-a-half years at Niwot. Through her pursuit of the IB Diploma Program offered at NHS, concurrent enrollment classes at Front Range Community College, and engagement in leadership and volunteer opportunities, Barinek has made a variety of meaningful contributions to the school.

As a junior, she founded the Collaboration Station (now discontinued), a study club for NPIB, Honors, AP, and IB students. Barinek helped facilitate a peer-led space to work for students in advanced courses.

This is her fourth year as a Peer Leader of Niwot's Sources of Strength where she works closely with Niwot staff members Tenica Henry and Adam Lotito, a nationwide program that encourages youth to nurture and speak up about their mental health.

Barinek was voted to be the current Niwot High School Student Council Student Body President for the 2024-2025 academic year. Barinek and Vice-President Maria Arrece Garcia are dedicated facilitators of the Student Council team.

In addition to her academic leadership roles, Barinek is the co-captain of Niwot's varsity girls' swim team.

When discussing her post-graduation plans, Barinek said, "I'm still in the application process and will hear back from most of my top options between January and March. I intend to major in cognitive science with a minor in business and entrepreneurship." She explained, "I love the interdisciplinary approach of cognitive science, exploring the intricacies of the mind and diving into the study of human behavior."

Barinek intends to pursue politics in some way but also hopes to continue in academia and become a professor in cognitive neuroscience at her alma mater.

When she's not swimming, studying, being a leader, or planning for her future, Barinek enjoys fashion, music, socializing, and reading, specifically poetry and non-fiction titles. Her passion for academics is matched by her enjoyment of human connection.