Panettiere to be honored for DC statehood advocacy

[September 17, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Actress Hayden Panettiere is being honored by District of Columbia officials for her commitment to making the district a state.

Panettiere played a cheerleader with superpowers on the NBC drama "Heroes" among several other roles.

She is an advocate for numerous social and environmental causes, including the plight of marine mammals. On a trip to Washington several years ago, she learned that residents of the nation's capital have no voting representation in Congress and began speaking out about the statehood fight.

She has appeared at numerous pro-statehood events and in public service announcements.

Mayor Vincent Gray is scheduled to proclaim Friday as "Hayden Panettiere Day" in the district.

The 22-year-old Panettiere was recently seen in "Scream 4." Her credits also include "Remember the Titans" and "I Love You, Beth Cooper."

[Associated Press; By BEN NUCKOLS]

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