Blythe Teen Named Finalist in peta2’s 2013 ‘Cutest Vegan Alive’ Contest

The Vegan Revolution Is Sweeping the Country, and Young People Are Leading the Charge

For Immediate Release:
June 11, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Blythe, Calif. — Blythe could soon be the home of a national star. That’s because 17-year-old Palo Verde Valley High School student Kami Atchley has beaten out hundreds of entrants from across the country to be named one of 10 female finalists vying for the title of Cutest Vegan Alive in a contest sponsored by peta2—PETA’s youth division. Because of the fast-growing number of kids ditching eggs and dairy products, in addition to meat, this is the first time in the contest’s eight-year history that it was limited to vegans, rather than also allowing vegetarian entrants. All finalists will receive a certificate, and the two winners—one female and one male—will also win a professional photo shoot and star in their own peta2 ad.

“Kami is a perfect example of a young person who’s determined to make the world a kinder place,” says peta2 Director Marta Holmberg. “Kids who go vegan show respect for animals, the environment, and their own bodies, and that makes all of them cute in our book.”

Kami has been vegetarian since she was in seventh grade and just recently went vegan. She’s also a peta2 Street Teamer, which means she’s ready to join a public protest, call up or write to a company to ask it to stop abusing animals, spread the word about animal issues through social media, or do whatever else it takes to fight animal abuse at a moment’s notice. Not one who’s all work and no play, Kami says that in addition to helping animals, she loves dancing.

In addition to the health benefits, every vegan saves the lives of more than 100 animals every year. Raising animals for food is also a leading cause of water pollution, land degradation, and greenhouse-gas emissions.

Voters chose five females and five males as finalists, and peta2 chose another five girls and five boys based on enthusiasm (and cuteness, of course!). peta2 will select the two winners based on several factors, including vote count. See full contest details here. To view photos and read bios of all the finalists, please click here. For more information, please visit peta2.com.