A big greasy cheese burger with the melted cheese stuck to the wrapper may seem enticing to the average high school student, but for some it is nothing short of revolting.

There are many different reasons people decide to go vegetarian. Some do it for health reasons, some for ethical reasons and some do it for a mixture of the two. It is because of differences such as these that it is just as unfair to stereotype vegetarians as any other group of people.

As well as the differences in motivations of those who choose to cut meat out of their diets, there are also differences in the extremes they go to. Veg has become an umbrella term for all of the different classifications: vegetarians who cut all meat out of their diets, pescetarians who cut out all meat besides fish from their diets, and vegans who don't use or consume any animal products such as meat, milk, eggs, fur, leather, or products tested on animals.

"I feel like vegetarianism... is a thing 15-year-old girls do when they're like, 'meat is icky!" said senior James Tomberlin. "So when you're vegan it's more like hardcore so people kind of respect that."

With all the limitations of a veg diet, it is easy to see why some vegetarians have a difficult time finding something from the cafeteria they not only can eat, but want to eat also.

"It's not mandatory that we have that for you guys," said Debbie Weagley, food nutrition supervisor. Although it is not a law that schools must provide alternative foods for vegetarian students, Sultana provides a fitting selection including salads with cheese and bean and cheese burritos. There is even a new vegan friendly veggie burger on the menu.

The main stereotype for vegetarians is the one set in place by organizations such as PETA with their protests that even many vegans think are over the top.

"That negative stereotype is what people have a tendency to think of... that militancy," said Mr. Hargis, a teacher with a vegetarian background.

"I don't believe in militant lifestyles... I make the decision for me." Hargis further explained, "I figure that if I show a good example, and people like the kinds of things that they see that are going on in my life, if they see the positive change in me, that's much more likely to effect them and make them feel positive. They're more likely to make a change if they can see the benefit and how it's worked for me as opposed to being in your face."

Veg lifestyles aren't just about giving things up. For many, vegetarianism is an eye opening experience that will change the way they look at life. It is for this reason and the dedication that it takes to maintain a veg lifestyle that it is far more than just another high school fad.