Laura Kaeppeler

Miss America 2012

Miss Wisconsin 2011

Originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler became the 86th woman to be named Miss America and the second from the state of Wisconsin.

As Miss America, Laura traveled 20,000 miles per month as the face of The Miss America Organization, one of the world’s largest providers of scholarship assistance to young women. In addition, Laura has appeared on numerous television programs, made corporate appearances and also spoke on behalf of The Miss America Organization’s national platform, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and her personal platform, Advocating for Children of Incarcerated Parents. In addition, Laura supports the military and The USO and recently was named by US News and World Report, one of The Top 100 Women leaders in STEM.

Laura has worked with numerous organizations that advocate for Children of Incarcerated Parents that include: The US Dream Academy, Project Avery, Operation Open Arms, The Seedling Foundation, Prison Fellowship Ministries, Kon-necting Services, The American Correctional Association, Camp Bob and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Laura has received The Courage Award from The Care Plus Foundation as well as The Thomas Mott Osborne Medal from The Osbourne Association.

An accomplished vocalist and talent award winner at Miss America, Laura has performed The National Anthem at numerous professional sporting events, including Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field and Lambeau Field, among others across the country. Although not her primary instrument, Laura also enjoys playing the piano.

Laura graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Music and an emphasis in Vocal Performance at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She continues to travel as a performer and spokesperson for mentoring programs that advocate for at-risk youth. Laura plans to use her $50,000 scholarship from The Miss America Organization to attend law school with hopes to pursue a career in child advocacy.