The newly-crowned Miss America 2012 is Laura Kaeppeler, Miss Wisconsin 2011. The Kenosha native bested a field of 53 women during competition at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 14, 2012.
The 23-year-old operatic vocalist graduated from Carthage College in 2010 with a degree in music. Her platform will be advocating for the two million children who have a parent in jail, a situation that she experienced first hand when her father was sent to prison for mail fraud when she was in high school.
She’ll take that a step further after her reign, when she uses her $50,000 scholarship money to get a law degree so that she can continue to represent the interests of children. She said, “I really feel like I’ve been called to do this work.”
During the competition Kaeppeler gave a shout out to Green Bay Packer QB Aaron Rodgers. She said, If you’re watching, give me a call.” We’re guessing that an introduction will be forthcoming.
First runner-up was Betty Thompson of Oklahoma, followed by Miss New York, Katilin Monte, Miss Arizona, Jennifer Sedler, and Miss California, Noelle Freeman.
More photos after the jump and video of the crowning moment:
Photos: Judy Eddy-WENN