Miami 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 27, 2014
Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382
Miami could soon be in the national spotlight. That’s because 16-year-old Jorge Cowan 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.
“Jorge 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.”
Cowan went vegan about 18 months ago, and he has never looked back. “I’m very happy that my body will never again be a tomb for a being that was once alive, once a mother, once an infant,” he says. With the support of the school’s animal rights club, Cowan helped bring more vegan options to his school’s cafeteria by sitting down with the manager, who agreed to introduce veggie burgers, which have been a major hit. In addition to his on-campus activities, Cowan has talked several friends and family members into cutting down on meat or going vegan, and he volunteers at an animal shelter on weekends. He’s also active with peta2’s Street Team. Cowanis studying fine art, graphic design, and sign language, and his favorite foods include Daiya vegan cheese, Boca brand “chicken” patties, quinoa, and tofu.
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.
