San Diego 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 23, 2014

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

San Diego could soon be in the national spotlight. That’s because 15-year-old Bethany Fullerton has beaten out dozens of entrants from across the country to be named one of 10 female 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 (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.

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

Bethany went vegan a year ago after she stumbled upon peta2’s video “One Minute of Reality: Factory Farming.” She felt so guilty for supporting the cruelty of the meat industry that she promised herself she’d never do something so hurtful to animals again. About a month later, her mother went vegan, too, and her father is going vegetarian. Bethany’s activism for animals doesn’t end there, though. Many of her friends pledged never to go to SeaWorld after she showed them the acclaimed documentary Blackfish, which highlights the amusement park’s history of cruelty to orcas. She also just organized her first animal rights protest at a local McDonald’s over the company’s refusal to hold its suppliers to higher standards of animal welfare. Bethany volunteers with the San Diego House Rabbit Society, and she’s planning to apply soon for a volunteer position with the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA. She’s also an artist who enjoys drawing in charcoal and pencil, painting in soft pastels, and sculpting in clay.

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.