The buzz of a bustling classroom, the careful balancing of numbers, and the pursuit of financial wisdom have defined much of Mia Wirth’s professional journey. From teaching her stuffed animals as a child to stepping away from education for a stint in corporate America, Wirth ultimately returned to her dream—spending the past 30 years in the classroom inspiring students to prepare for the real world.

“I had a different path than a lot of educators,” Wirth said. “You know, taking what I know and giving it to them, and getting to know my students, and enjoying my day with them.”

Wirth specialized in teaching the subject that “makes the world go ’round”: money. With real-world experience from her time in the corporate sector, she brought practical insights and grounded advice into every lesson.

“Make sure that you do what you want to do,” she said. “Whatever your passion is, follow that. Yes, it’s great to make a lot of money, it’s great to have certain perks, whatever—but if you don’t love what you do, you’re going to hate going to work every day. If you love what you do, it’s really not a job.”

In addition to her teaching, Wirth played an integral role in student organizations like FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and BPA (Business Professionals of America), coaching students as they prepared for state and national competitions. Her colleague Nancy Blume recalled the enthusiasm Wirth brought to these programs.

“She dedicated many hours outside of school to helping students prepare for and compete at FBLA and BPA competitions,” Blume said. “She currently has a state officer for BPA, and I can hear the excitement in her voice as she watches him grow as a leader.”

Blume also emphasized the long-term impact of Wirth’s work in accounting, particularly her ability to bring dual credit opportunities to WEGO students. “Her passion for accounting and the students who discovered their passion as a result of being in her classroom are definitely a legacy she leaves.”

Other colleagues noticed her reliability, positivity, and tireless commitment. Fellow business teacher Marc Wolfe praised her collaborative nature and unwavering student-first approach.

“Mia could work with anyone,” Wolfe said. “She has always been so collaborative and someone who put the best interests of the students above everything else. She has remained positive all the way through the end of her career, and that is something that should be admired and emulated by other teachers.”

He also recalled how deeply involved she remained, even as retirement approached.

“She enjoyed working at WEGO and was involved until the very end,” Wolfe said. “She was working concession stands in the fall, doing overnight trips with students at BPA state in the winter, and just a couple weeks ago was in Orlando with eight BPA students. She gave students so many opportunities to make amazing memories and to find out their own talents and passions.”

Former student Jennifer Tan-Pham remembers Wirth not only as a fun and engaging teacher but also as someone who made business feel real and exciting.

“She gave all students a fair chance and presented material in a way in which it was easy to learn,” Tan-Pham said. “Our class sold snowmen as our project and we earned—and kept—our profit. I remember being amazed that I made an extra $185 cash. It was fun and competitive.”

For Tan-Pham, the lessons extended beyond the classroom.

“I also enjoyed FBLA with her. We went to nationals in Colorado. It was a very memorable experience.”

Daniel Canda, a former student and BPA member who attended Nationals under Wirth’s guidance, said she left a lasting mark on how he approaches leadership and life.

“Ms. Wirth played a huge role in shaping how I carry myself as a leader and teammate,” Canda said. “Whether we were preparing for Nationals or just trying to meet a last-minute deadline, she always emphasized staying composed under pressure and backing each other up. Her confidence in us—even when we doubted ourselves—made a lasting impression. She taught me how to lead by example, stay organized, and keep the group focused without losing the sense of fun and purpose that brought us together in the first place.”

Beyond BPA, Canda also credited her classroom teaching with giving him an academic advantage.

“Ms. Wirth taught me accounting, and that alone gave me a huge head start in college,” he said. “But more than just the subject, she helped me build a foundation in how to think critically, stay organized, and approach problems step by step. The skills I learned in her class still help me today, especially when handling coursework or managing my own finances. Her teaching style made accounting not only understandable but something I actually enjoyed.”

Current junior and BPA officer Julia Koput echoed those sentiments, adding that Wirth created a space where students—especially young women – could feel confident and seen.

“She always said to never mind what the people around you are doing,” Koput said. “Since the majority of other BPA chapters (and ours) were male, it was easy to get intimidated and feel like you don’t belong, but Mrs. Wirth always made sure to encourage me to keep going.”

Koput also shared a lighthearted memory from one of their competition trips: “We pretended it was someone’s birthday to get free dessert—and she just laughed and went along with us. It was so much fun.”

Senior Brian Nguyen reflected on how Wirth’s precision helped shape his approach to academics and competition.

“One thing I learned from Mrs. Wirth was to always pay attention to the little details,” he said. “Whether it was in her accounting class last year with calculating numbers or a typo in our presentation for BPA, she always made sure to catch the little things—because they may have bigger consequences than you might think.”

For Nguyen, their trip to Nationals this spring held deeper meaning.

“She shifted from being just a teacher/advisor we rely on for help to someone we could always count on for a good laugh,” he said. “Without her next year, I will greatly miss not having her as a teacher I could always go to talk about anything.”

Now on the brink of retirement, Wirth reflects on her career with a mix of gratitude and excitement. She plans to spend more time outdoors, travel, and volunteer – possibly with local theater programs or high schools. Still, her favorite plan might be the simplest of all.

“I know this is going to sound selfish,” she said with a smile, “but just getting to do what I want to do, instead of what I have to do.”

Whether in the classroom, at a BPA event, or helping a student find their confidence, Mia Wirth leaves behind more than lesson plans and spreadsheets: she leaves behind a legacy of learning, laughter, and lasting impact.