Two Texans Named Finalists 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 24, 2014

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Dallas could soon be in the national spotlight. That’s because 19-year-old Lauren Jackson and 21-year-old Dalton Teague, both of the Dallas area, have beaten out dozens of entrants from across the country to be named one of 20 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 the 10 finalists (five female and five male) who received the highest number of votes, plus 10 finalists (five female and five male) who were selected by peta2. The two winners—one female and one male—will win a professional photo shoot and a chance to star in their own peta2 ad.

“Lauren and Dalton are 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.”

Jackson went vegan after watching the acclaimed documentary film Vegucated. It also didn’t hurt that peta2 visited her campus at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and gave her encouragement. Now, the theater student regularly sets up tables about animal rights on campus, and she joined her school’s vegan club.

Teague went vegan two years ago for his health and couldn’t believe all the vegan options that were available. His favorites are eggplant lasagne and mushroom steaks. A student at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, Teague has gotten involved in opposing the annual slaughter of dolphins in Japan, and he got an enthusiastic reception when he showed the celebrated documentary about the massacre, The Cove, on the main lawn.

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