Benton Student 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:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382
Benton could soon be in the national spotlight. That’s because 20-year-old EmilyJo Manchester 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 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.
“EmilyJo is determined to make the world a kinder place,” says peta2 Director Marta Holmberg. “Young people who go vegan show respect for animals, the planet, and their own bodies, and that makes all of them cute in our book.”
Manchester went vegan because she believes it’s the best way that people can express their compassion for others. A vegetarian since middle school, she later started using soy milk instead of cow’s milk and skipping the cheese on her veggie burgers. Thanks to the on-campus vegan station at St. Bonaventure University, it’s easy for her to stick to her humane and healthy diet at school. Her friends and siblings weren’t very supportive at first, but after she fixed them her famous vegan mac and cheese, they changed their tune. Her dream is to move to Costa Rica and open a vegan restaurant, and she loves that the country is phasing out zoos. “I’m one of those cliché 20-somethings bent on changing the world,” she says, “but I’m going to do it!” Manchester’s favorite foods include faux-chicken pot pie, lasagna, yams, and So Delicious dairy-free chocolate ice cream.
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.
