Cary Student Among Finalists in peta2's 'Cutest Vegetarian' Contest

The Vote Is On as Cary Resident Beats Out More Than 3,000 Contenders

For Immediate Release:
May 24, 2010

Contact:
Marta Holmberg 757-622-7382

Cary, N.C. -- What does 15-year-old Cary resident Makeda Sanford have in common with country music cutie Kellie Pickler? Pickler was a winner of PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Alive contest, and Makeda is one of the female finalists in the spin-off Cutest Vegetarian Alive contest sponsored by peta2, PETA's youth division. Makeda beat out more than 3,000 contestants from across the U.S. Supporters can vote for their hometown favorite by visiting peta2.com or by clicking here. Two winners (one male and one female) will be announced on June 8, and each will win a professional photo shoot and star in a peta2 ad.

"More and more Americans are going vegetarian every day, and young people are leading the charge," says peta2 director Dan Shannon. "It's no wonder: Vegetarians are slimmer, trimmer, and healthier, on average, than meat-eaters, so they're bound to be a lot cuter too!"

A high school freshman, Makeda has been a vegetarian all her life. Her mother raised her as a vegetarian, and she made the choice to remain one after learning about the horrible cruelty that animals who are slaughtered for food endure. Makeda has been a dancer for six years and loves photography. She says that she tries to share information about a vegetarian lifestyle every time she gets the chance. She wants teens to know that they are never too young to make a difference.

To view photos and bios of all the finalists and to vote in the contest, please click here.