Name: Haile Thomas
Age: 12
Title: Kid Chef on Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri’s new show, Rachael vs. Guy: Kids Cook-Off
Live: Tucson, Arizona
Haile started cooking in the kitchen at age five with simple ingredients and by nine was creating her own recipes. Haile’s true passion for cooking exploded when she realized she embodied the ability to incorporate healthy eating and food education into cooking. After joining the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Youth Advisory Board and learning about the issue of childhood obesity, Haile found her platform and decided her quest would be to motivate and inspire her peers to learn to cook and embrace healthy habits. At the age of 12, Haile is a unique young lady because she is dedicated to showing other kids that they have a voice and say in what they believe should nourish their bodies. She has gone so far as to partner with Hyatt Hotels to create a fun, fresh, and flavorful kids menu for them that is both sophisticated and delicious. Haile also founded the HAPPY (Healthy, Active, Positive, Purposeful Youth) Organization, partnered with the YWCA Tucson, offering youth weekly cooking classes, nutrition education, and fun physical activities.
I was born in. . .
Dallas, TX on December 23, 2000.
My favorite thing about Arizona. . .
Is how laid-back, beautiful and multi-cultural it is.
I’m listening to. . .
Katy Perry’s new song “Roar.”
My family is. . .
Super supportive and loving.
If I could have dinner with anyone. . .
It would be Oprah.
One thing I cannot live without. . .
Is my computer.
When I was younger. . .
I wanted to be an actress.
I’m inspired by. . .
Kids in my HAPPY Organization program, the First Lady, and my mentors at the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
The one person who motivates me is. . .
My mommy.
If I could change anything in the world. . .
It would be getting rid of unhealthy fast food restaurants.
The perfect day would be. . .
A day of shopping with an unlimited budget!
My first job was. . .
With Hyatt hotels as Youth Spokesperson for the For Kids by Kids menu.
My favorite escape is. . .
To play The Sims 3.
My life is. . .
Fun and full of purpose, adventure and love….I love everything I do.
I’m currently working on. . .
Building my Happy Organization programs and securing funding to improve the experience for the kids that attend.
Always. . .
Instill in young people the belief that they can do anything.
Never. . .
Put down someones ideas or dreams, because anything is possible.
Favorite Quote. . .
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible!” — Audrey Hepburn
Biggest Dream. . .
Is to one day inspire the entire world to make healthier choices and to get rid of childhood obesity.
My Pet Peeve. . .
Is when people talk about animals while i’m eating, and when people chew really loud.
Rachael vs. Guy: Kids Cook-Off, premiering Sunday, September 8th at 8pm ET/PT on Food Network
