Fit For Life: BES's Iris Miller White

"I've been active my whole life," she said. "It's good for your body and your health."

Being active, too, boosts self-esteem, particularly when it involves group sports, she said. "It helps you feel better about yourself," said Iris. "The older you get, you will need it and if you start at an early age you can keep going with it."

And Iris pursued fitness at a very early age, thanks in part to an active family that includes her mother, Kyla; father, Paul; stepfather, David; younger brother, Satchel; and older sister, Isa.

Since the time she was able to walk, she has skied at Cannon Mountain (her uncle is World Cup champion and North Country native Bode Miller) and has enjoyed the outdoors.

At BES, Iris runs the mile -- she prefers long distance running to sprinting -- and plans to continue running the mile and staying involved in track through her school years.

While Profile School does not currently have a track team, she wants to help start one once she begins attending the school. Her activities, however, extend beyond the physical.

"She's well-rounded," said BES health and physical education teacher Kristin Bruno. "She's on the student council and wants to help make the world a better place and make the environment better."

When Iris interacts with others, Bruno said she is respectful and includes everyone.

"She is an all-around role model," said Bruno. "She makes herself better and everything else better, too."

While her family plays a role in her fitness, Bruno said Iris truly understands the importance of keeping healthy.

"I have vegetables every single day and bring fruits to school," Iris said of her diet. "We buy all local organic food."

Her advice for those wanting to become more active is to stick with it. The first week might be difficult, she said, as was her first week playing tennis when she thought she wouldn't be good.

But persistence pays off.

"Even if you don't have the opportunity to be that active, stretch and do work around your house that might keep you going," she said.

Although she has many school years ahead of her, Iris expressed interest in teaching or in pursuing the nation's highest elected office to become president.

"I definitely want to help with the environment and make people aware about recycling and using things and not wasting," she said.

Bruno said Iris exemplifies good health and fitness and is an inspiration to her classmates and those around her.

"I want to be active and healthy the rest of my life," said Iris.