Laura Kaeppeler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laura Kaeppeler
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Kaeppeler in Washington, D.C. in 2012
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| Born |
Laura Marie Kaeppeler
March 2, 1988 Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Carthage College |
| Title | Miss Kenosha 2010 Miss Southern Wisconsin 2011 Miss Wisconsin 2011 Miss America 2012 |
| Term | January 14, 2012 - January 12, 2013 |
| Predecessor | Teresa Scanlan |
| Successor | Mallory Hagan |
| Spouse(s) |
Mike Fleiss
(m. 2014; separated 2019) |
| Children | 2 |
Laura Marie Kaeppeler was born on March 2, 1988. She is an American who won the title of Miss America 2012. She was crowned on January 14, 2012, representing her home state of Wisconsin. Laura was the first person from Wisconsin to win Miss America since Terry Meeuwsen won in 1973.
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Early Life and Pageant Journey
Laura Kaeppeler was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She went to St. Joseph High School. Later, she studied music at Carthage College, graduating in 2010.
Laura started her pageant journey by winning 'Miss Kenosha 2010' in 2009. She also won a talent award. The next year, she won 'Miss Southern Wisconsin 2010'. At the 'Miss Wisconsin 2011' pageant, she won another talent award.
Becoming Miss America 2012
Laura Kaeppeler represented Wisconsin at the Miss America 2012 competition. This big event took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was held at the Theatre for the Performing Arts inside the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on January 14, 2012.
Talent and Platform
During the competition, Laura showed off her singing talent. She performed the song "Il Bacio" by Luigi Arditi. This performance helped her win the talent part of the competition. She also earned a $2,000 scholarship for her talent.
Laura chose a special cause to support. Her platform was helping children whose parents were in prison. She wanted to be a mentor and support these kids.
Competition Rounds
For the lifestyle and fitness part, Laura wore a white bikini. For the evening gown competition, she wore a beautiful black dress. It was designed by Tony Bowls and had beads on it.
In the final round, a judge asked Laura a question. She was asked if beauty queens should share their political opinions. Laura answered that Miss America represents everyone. She said that leaders should also represent everyone. She believed that in tough times, America needs to look to the future. She felt Miss America should stand for all people.
Laura won the title of Miss America 2012. She beat the first runner-up, Miss Oklahoma 2011, Betty Thompson. Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan, placed the crown on her head. Along with the title, Laura also received a $50,000 scholarship.
Miss America Role
As Miss America, Laura Kaeppeler met President Obama. This meeting happened at the White House. It was part of a joint event with the Children's Miracle Network Hospital Champions. Other Miss America winners had also met the President at similar events.
Personal Life
On April 6, 2014, Laura Kaeppeler married television producer Mike Fleiss. He had been a judge at the Miss America 2012 pageant where she won. Their first son, Benjamin, was born in May 2015. Their second son, George, was born in 2020. Laura is now a co-host of a podcast called "Health Interrupted." She hosts it with celebrity fitness trainer Gina Lombardi.
