Last fall I was invited by FUTP 60 to participate in a youth panel for the President’s Council on Fitness Sports and Nutrition. I gladly agreed and over the next several months participated in conference calls, created surveys for classmates and teachers to take, and did lots of research. On May 16 that all paid off in a HUGE way! I was one of four FUTP 60 Ambassadors to fly to Washington, DC to participate in the President’s Council on Fitness Sports and Nutrition Annual Meeting at the Hubert H. Humphrey Building!
For the past year, I have had a poster of my idol, Drew Brees on my bedroom door. Who would’ve ever thought that I would actually meet him in person!? (He is the co-chair of PCFSN). And it’s not only that, this panel of famous Olympians, athletes, famous chefs, doctors and more actually wanted to hear what we had to say! Our opinions and ideas really mattered! We listened as they discussed the last 60 years and the possibilities of the next 60 years. In between questions, we took a “physical activity break” where Donna Richardson and Cornell McClellan led us in exercises to refocus. During the meeting, co-chair Dominique Dawes paused to recognize Tyler from CO and myself. We stood up and everyone applauded and told us to keep up the good work. Later in the meeting Abby from NH and Ani from NJ were able to address the panel directly. Students’ points of view really mattered and we felt really special.
Next we had a private lunch with the panel. As we walked in, Anthony Robles and Jason Collins greeted us and shook our hands! That’s when we also got photos with Drew Brees.
Lastly, (but certainly not least) we had a USDA Round Table meeting with Deputy Undersecretary Dr. Katie Wilson, Undersecretary Kevin Concannon and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack at the Whitten Building! How incredible! And again, these people really wanted to hear our thoughts, opinions and what’s working in our schools! We talked about lunches and what each of us is doing in our schools. I told them about my school’s unique relationship with our local grocery store where a different vegetable is highlighted both at the store and at school each month. We also discussed farm to school and the benefits, and kids serving kids breakfast. Then we got a tour of the office and learned lots of history. Just the fact that these important people took time out of their busy day to talk to us was amazing!
I would like to thank FUTP 60 for believing in me so much to send me as a representative for this incredible day! I would also like to thank Charles from FUTP 60 for taking such great care of us in D.C.! This was an experience that I learned a lot from and will never forget! It also recharged me to help get people motivated for the next year!
Courtney
Summit Ambassador
Wisconsin
8th Grade
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