Oregon City Student Among Finalists in peta2's 'Cutest Vegetarian' Contest

The Vote Is On as 15-Year-Old Beats Out More Than 3,000 Contenders 

For Immediate Release:
May 27, 2010

Contact:
Marta Holmberg 757-622-7382

Oregon City, Ore. -- What does 15-year-old Oregon City resident Kira Nesser have in common with country music cutie Kellie Pickler? Pickler was a winner of PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Alive contest, and Kira is one of the female finalists in the spin-off Cutest Vegetarian Alive contest sponsored by peta2, PETA's youth division. Kira 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 soon-to-be sophomore at Oregon City High School, Kira went vegetarian two years ago because she feels that everyone--including animals--deserves to live. Kira and her parents decided to make the transition a family affair--all three went vegetarian together. Kira's compassion and healthy lifestyle are apparently contagious: Her close friend kicked the meat habit last year. Kira sings and plays guitar in an alternative-rock band, and she's really into art and going to the gym. She also loves to shop--especially hunting for bargains in thrift shops--and her favorite foods are faux chicken nuggets and vegan chocolate-chip pancakes.

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