Rancho Cordova Teen Named Finalist in peta2’s 2014 ‘Cutest Vegan Alive’ Contest

As Dumping Meat, Eggs, and Dairy Products Gains Immense Popularity Across the Country, Young People Are Leading the Charge

For Immediate Release:
June 11, 2014

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Rancho Cordova could soon be in the national spotlight. That’s because 15-year-old Max Cartagena has beaten out dozens of entrants from across the country to be named one of 10 male finalists vying for the title of 2014 Cutest Vegan Alive in the ninth annual contest sponsored by peta2—PETA’s youth division. The final pool consists of 20 finalists—the 10 finalists (five male and five female) who received the highest number of votes, plus 10 finalists (five male and five female) who were selected by peta2. The two winners—one male and one female—will win a professional photo shoot and a chance to star in their own peta2 ad.

“Max is determined to make the world a kinder place,” says peta2 Director Marta Holmberg. “People who go vegan show respect for animals, the planet, and their own bodies, and that makes all of them cute in our book.”

Max went vegan after learning about the suffering of animals in the food industry at the peta2 booth at last year’s Warped Tour. He enjoys talking to friends and family members about the benefits of going vegan, and his favorite foods are dairy-free ice cream, vegan pizza, smoothies, and chickpea masala. He has completed many peta2 Street Team missions, participating in campaigns such as McCruelty—which works to get McDonald’s to hold its meat, egg, and dairy suppliers to higher standards of animal welfare—and he’s the spokesperson for a peta2 project that’s still under wraps. How does this young man burn up all that veggie-powered energy? Just show him a skateboard, and he’s out of sight quicker than you can say “vegan”!

peta2 will select the two winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here. To view photos of and read more about the finalists, please click here. For more information, please visit peta2.com.