New Miss America Laura Kaeppeler Struggled with Family Pain as a Child of Incarcerated Parents

“I created circles of support, a mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents.”

It is one of the platform of the Miss Wisconsin in joining the 2012 Miss America pageant before winning the crown of being the 91st Miss America and represents the United States. But won’t you ask why she’s advocating children of incarcerated parents?

Well, Laura Kaeppeler admitted that she struggled with family pain because of her father Jeff Kaeppeler who served 18 months in federal prison for mail fraud when she was graduating  in high school and entering college.

Jeff Kaeppeler said that they supported Laura about making the personal topic for her chosen platform even though they knew it would be discussed publicly.

“It taught us that God can turn anything into good if you let him. Laura is totally on board with that idea. She let that drive her and inspire her this past year to get ready for this,” Jeff Kaeppeler said.

“We’ve seen a miracle,” he said while waiting backstage for a news conference in which his daughter called him her “best friend” and briefly took pictures with him onstage.

“I love you,” he whispered to her as dozens of cameras snapped photos.

Moreover, Laura said that her crowning moment was a blur.

“I was crying even before my name was called. It was just surreal to have this honor.”