The winner of one of the most popular beauty pageants in the United States has been crowned once again and this time the newest Miss America hails from Wisconsin, is 23, and is a brunette. She had long conversations with her family regarding her father’s jail time prior to taking part in the competition. Her father spent time in jail for mail fraud and she wanted to know if she should use this as the heart of her campaign in the beauty pageant.
Some of the platforms pushed during the competition included protecting the environment and the benefits of milk to one’s health. Laura Kaeppeler said that she wants children who have incarcerated parents to feel less alone. She also wants them to have mentoring programs and as much of a relationship with their incarcerated parents as they possibly can.
“There are many of you out there – and I was one of them – but it doesn’t have to define you,” Kaeppeler said after she won the crown and a $50,000 scholarship on Saturday night.
Kaeppeler sang an opera song, modeled in a white bikini and in a black evening gown. She also said that beauty queens and politicians represent all Americans, not just a couple of groups.