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Outstanding Activist!
Growing
up, most of us were taught that the only way to be healthy was to eat
according to the Four Food Groups. Sitting in her fourth grade classroom,
a young Kerry Lea, perhaps like many other American kids her age, found
herself gazing upon a food pyramid poster. Focusing her attention on the
cartoon chicken, cow and pig who sat in a block labeled “meat,”
Kerry innocently assumed that the farm animal pictures were shown because
they ate meat too, and thus had a block of their very own. The concept
of using animals for food was far from her mind, but once she made the
startling connection that pork equaled pig, she became a vegetarian. A
few years later, Kerry switched to a vegan diet after learning about factory
farming, its use of growth hormones, and the misery it creates for dairy
cows and egg-laying hens. Since then, her concern for farm animals has
never ceased.
The
owner of Acting Creatively, a seven-year-old performing arts school for
kids and teenagers in New York City, Kerry now touches the lives of countless
youngsters. Launching many fortunate pupils into roles on screens and
stages nationwide, this encouraging, cheerful and bright woman not only
inspires students to be the best they can be, but also provides another
kind of valuable education. From the get-go, Kerry wanted to bring animal
advocacy into her work with kids, but was timid to do so because she was
young (a teenager herself!) and the business was new. With time, however,
Acting Creatively took on a family feeling, which now permits Kerry to
converse with her students on animal issues and veganism in a warm and
safe setting. Many of the kids are touched and eager to learn more, and
Kerry often finds herself supplying them with books and videos, and taking
time before and after class to answer their questions. Kerry hopes to
expand these conversations by offering workshops for kids and their parents,
which explain why a vegan diet is the best lifestyle choice for their
own health, the animals and the environment.
In
1992, Kerry realized her dream of interlacing her interest in animal protection
and kids’ creativity at Farm Sanctuary’s Gala. Guests
were dazzled by a number of Kerry’s talented and compassionate students
in a performance they call Veg-ucation! With original songs, comedy sketches,
monologues, and poetry written by the multi-talented Ms. Lea, Veg-ucation!
touched the hearts of hundreds that night, and, as of today, has spread
the veg message to thousands. Growing in number and scope, Veg-ucation!,
in fact, boasts over twenty rotating performers, ages four to eighteen,
and continues to wow crowds at events like NYC’s Walk for Farm
Animals, Toronto’s Vegetarian Food Fair and the United Nation’s
International Day of Peace, and for organizations such as The Coalition
for Healthy School Lunches, The Humane Society of the United States, Jane
Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, and Neighborhood Cats.
In
Kerry Lea, farm animals couldn’t ask for a better spokesperson and
in the Veg-ucation! kids, the world couldn't find a better source
of inspiration. Thank you, Kerry, for bringing the animals’ message
to the ‘big time’ and building strength, confidence and creativity
in the kids whose lives you so deeply touch. You and your young performers
embody the hope and possibility that stems from embracing kindness and
compassion and are making a positive impact on the world for which we
are all truly grateful.
Together, we ARE making a difference. If you would like to find out more about volunteering your time to educate others about factory farming and vegetarianism, please contact us at activist@farmsanctuary.org, or call 607-583-2225 ext. 229. Click here to find out what YOU can do to help!