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 (born March 2, 1988) is an American beauty pageant winner. She was crowned Miss America 2012 on January 14, 2012. She represented the state of Wisconsin in the competition. Laura Kaeppeler was the first woman from Wisconsin to win Miss America since Terry Meeuwsen won in 1973. She also served on the board of directors for the Miss America Organization for a short time.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Laura Kaeppeler was born to Jeff and Sue Kaeppeler in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She attended St. Joseph High School. Later, she went to Carthage College. She graduated from college in 2010 with a degree in music.
Journey to Miss America
Laura Kaeppeler began her journey in beauty pageants in her home state.
Local and State Titles
- In 2009, Laura won the title of Miss Kenosha 2010.
- She also won a preliminary talent award at the Miss Wisconsin 2010 pageant. She placed third overall in that competition.
- One year later, Laura won the title of Miss Southern Wisconsin 2010.
- At the Miss Wisconsin 2011 pageant, she again won the preliminary talent award. She shared this award with Raeanna Johnson. Raeanna later became Miss Wisconsin after Laura won Miss America.
Miss America 2012 Competition
Laura Kaeppeler represented Wisconsin at the Miss America 2012 competition. This event took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 14, 2012. The competition was held at the Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Talent and Platform
During the preliminary rounds, Laura won the talent portion. She performed the Luigi Arditi waltz "Il Bacio" (The Kiss). This win earned her a $2,000 scholarship. Her chosen cause, or "platform," was supporting children whose parents were in prison. She chose this cause because her own father had spent time in prison.
Final Rounds and Crowning
In the lifestyle and fitness competition, Laura wore a white bikini. For the evening gown part, she wore a black beaded dress. During the final question round, judge Lara Spencer asked if beauty queens should share their political views. Laura answered that Miss America represents everyone. She said that leaders should also represent everyone. She emphasized the need to focus on what America needs, especially during tough economic times.
Laura Kaeppeler won the title of Miss America 2012. She beat the first runner-up, Miss Oklahoma 2011, Betty Thompson. Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan, crowned her. Along with the title, Laura also received a $50,000 scholarship.
Role as Miss America
As Miss America, Laura Kaeppeler had many important duties. She met with President Obama at the White House. This meeting was part of a joint event with the Children's Miracle Network Hospital Champions. Other Miss America winners, like Katie Stam (Miss America 2009) and Caressa Cameron (Miss America 2010), had also met with the President.
Personal Life and Current Work
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. The couple welcomed their first child, Benjamin, in May 2015. Their second child, George, was born in 2020.
As of July 2025, Laura Kaeppeler is the co-host of the Health Interrupted Podcast. She hosts it with celebrity fitness trainer Gina Lombardi.
See also
In Spanish: Laura Kaeppeler para niños
