Defenders of Our Country Fix Their Sights on Defending Animals
For
Immediate Release:
May
8, 2012
Contact:
Kristin
Richards 202-483-7382
Norfolk, Va. -- The competition to be named PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Next Door is heating up, and two U.S. Navy veterans—28-year-old Baton Rouge, La., resident Trevor McGuire and 31-year-old Stephanie George-Mello of Roseville, Calif.—each might take home the grand prize. They have beaten out hundreds of other entrants from across the U.S. to become two of 20 contestants (10 male and 10 female) to advance to the final round. Two lucky winners—one male and one female—will each receive a free trip to Hawaii, courtesy of the PETA Member Advantage Program.
"On average, vegetarians are slimmer and healthier than meat-eaters are—and they save more than 100 animals a year," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "We salute our two Navy vets for demonstrating that passion for one's country and compassion for all beings go hand in hand."
McGuire went vegan 12 years ago and lost 40 unwanted pounds. A member of Mensa—and a crack Scrabble player—he's a mathematician and is currently working on his Ph.D. at Louisiana State University. McGuire says he's lost track of the number of loose dogs he's chased down and returned to their guardians, and he'll always stop his car to move turtles off the road and out of harm's way.
George-Mello went vegetarian seven years ago after a Navy friend's wife introduced her to delicious meat-free meals such as faux-chicken pot pie. She has since gone vegan—a move that she says has markedly improved her health. She has also become an ardent and vocal advocate for animal rights. Trained as an emergency medical technician in the Navy, George-Mello is currently studying to become a physician assistant.
To see photos of all the sexy vegetarian finalists, please click here. The voting—which can be done on PETA's website and by texting—ends on May 14, and the two winners will be announced on May 21. For more information and to vote in the contest, please visit PETA.org or click here.
Three factors will be considered when PETA chooses the winners: the number of votes received from the public, the enthusiasm demonstrated by the entrants in living and promoting a vegetarian lifestyle, and PETA's assessment of the entrants' attractiveness.