Aspiring Veterinarian Beats Out Hundreds to Contend for National Title
For Immediate Release:
May 25, 2012
Contact:
Kristin Richards 202-483-7382
Sellersburg, Ind. -- Eighteen-year-old Sellersburg resident and soon-to-be college student Cole Loney just may win the national title of Cutest Vegetarian Alive—that is, if he can triumph over his nine fellow male finalists in the contest sponsored by peta2, PETA's youth division. Loney beat out hundreds of contestants from across the U.S. for a spot in the finals, and now it's up to visitors to peta2.com to help peta2 select the winners, who will be announced on June 4. The two winners (one male and one female) will each receive a professional photo shoot and star in a peta2 ad.
"Every year, peta2 meets more and more young people who have pledged to help their health, the environment, and animals by sticking to plant-based meals," says peta2 Division Manager Marta Holmberg. "Our finalists' commitment to making a difference in the world means that they're some of the cutest young people around—both inside and out."
Loney—who is on peta2's Youth Advisory Board—went vegetarian for a month on a bet three years ago and then stumbled upon PETA's "Meet Your Meat" video. That clinched it for him, and he's been vegetarian ever since. He has organized and attended numerous animal rights demonstrations, leafleted at local fairs, and volunteered with the peta2 staff on the Warped Tour and at a Never Shout Never show. On his own, he has started selling cruelty-free makeup and health and wellness products to educate people about the cruelty of animal testing and the animal products that some companies still use in their formulations. He also makes it a point to visit his local animal shelter frequently and bring a little joy into the lives of homeless cats and dogs. Loney will start college in the fall as a pre-veterinary student.
To view photos and bios of all the finalists, please click here.
PETA will select winners based on several factors, including vote count. See full contest details here.