Karen Darch Reflects on Legacy at Barrington Area Development Council's "Citizen of the Year" Event Honoring Don Thompson
May 9, 2025
Compiled by Rachel Kuna, Barrington SCOOP
The Barrington Area Development Council (BADC) hosted its annual Citizen of the Year celebration on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at Barrington’s White House, naming longtime educator and community supporter Don Thompson as the 51st recipient of the prestigious award. The evening also featured a fireside chat with outgoing Barrington Village President Karen Darch, highlighting her two decades + of service and vision for the community’s future. Darch was also awarded with the BADC Lifetime Achievement Award, the third recipient of the award in the 59-year history of the organization due to her 40 years of service in the community.
A Legacy of Service and Vision
Karen Darch, who has served as Village President since 2005, reflected on her time in office and the evolution of Barrington during her tenure. From the revitalization of the Shops at Flint Creek, the development of Barrington’s White House, to securing the completion of the long-anticipated Route 14 underpass (set for 2027), Darch has consistently focused on strengthening the village’s infrastructure and civic life.
She championed Home Rule referendums, supported public-private partnerships, and emphasized the importance of the "civic tapestry" that ties Barrington’s institutions—governmental, educational, cultural, and nonprofit—into a unified community. Darch recalled initiatives like Healthier Barrington, BStrong Together, and the Community Crisis Coalition, which emerged in response to national and local challenges like the 2008 recession, Columbine, and the 2012 train safety concerns.
Her advice for future leaders: focus on the big picture, know what to preserve and what to change, and always act with civility, patience, and purpose.
Don Thompson: A Life of Service
This year’s Citizen of the Year, Don Thompson, is a Barrington High School alumnus (Class of 1961) and a beloved figure in local education. With roles spanning from associate principal (1976–1980) to part-time superintendent, his impact on students and families is both broad and deep. Thompson also worked as a custodian, making his career a full-circle journey of humble leadership. He is a father of two, grandfather of four, and an active participant in alumni events and community life.
In honoring Thompson, the BADC recognized not only his career in education but also his quiet, steady contributions to the fabric of Barrington.
“No job was ever too big or too small for Don,” noted one colleague. His presence has been a constant in the community’s history and its schools’ successes.
A Night to Remember
The event underscored Barrington’s deep appreciation for those who shape the spirit of the community—through vision, service, and commitment. Darch’s remarks and Thompson’s recognition together illustrated the values that continue to define Barrington: leadership, continuity, and care for the common good.
For more information about the Barrington Area Development Council (BADC), visit: https://www.barringtonareadevelopmentcouncil.org/
Photo credit: Bob Lee
