Kylie Kasprick

Sixth-grader Kylie Kasprick of Maple Grove, Minn., is passionate and devoted to competitive dancing, so it’s no wonder she knows the importance of a balanced plate and an active lifestyle. Kylie was selected as Minnesota’s Fuel Up to Play 60 State Ambassador to encourage kids to be more physically active and be healthier.

“I want kids to want to eat healthy rather than just junk food,” she said. “I want kids to get active in the morning, especially the younger kids.” Kylie also said that not only is she learning a lot, but everything about Fuel Up to Play 60 is fun, which is why she encourages everyone to join.

Kylie thinks it’s important to encourage the younger kids before they think it’s “not cool” to be active. Her goal for the fall is to start an early fitness group that walks around the football field before school starts so students are more focused during the day and not so eager for recess. She would also like her school to encourage kids to grab healthier foods at lunch, like fruits and vegetables.

Drinking milk every day is also important for Kylie because it’s high in protein and helps build strong bones. She has milk with her cereal in the morning and again at lunch, always opting for the low-fat chocolate milk.

“Eating healthy and exercising daily are very important to me,” Kylie said. “I already do a lot of exercises, and I eat healthy. I want other kids to be able to do that.”

An avid dancer, gymnast and soccer player, Kylie also bikes and swims in the summer and ice skates on her backyard pond in the winter. Kyle is also involved in 4-H, where she learned a lot about dairy and farming.