|
After a jam-packed night of suspense, surprises, and 53 of America’s most beautiful women, Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler, 23, of Kenosha was crowned the new Miss America on Saturday night at Planet Hollywood! The night was so spectacular ABC officials went as far as to call this year’s event “the best Miss America Pageant yet,” with over night ratings surpassing the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots playoff game on the same night. “I have tears in my eyes,” said Miss America Organization Chairman Sam Haskell as he shared the preliminary ratings in an interview: “It’s the highest-rated Miss America in 8 years! Even up against the monster playoff games, we grew another 13 percent over last year’s records and became the dominant, No. 1, non-sports network in the time period with total viewers. We jumped 47 percent from the first half-hour to the final half-hour, and the crowning had 8 million viewers watching at that moment.” After watching the 53 contestants show off their talents, bodies and platforms it was no wonder the ratings were as high as they were this year. And after learning about the mentoring and support group Kaeppeler formed after her father spent time in prison for a white-collar crime when she was 17, it was no surprise she was crowned Miss America 2012. In an exclusive interview, the beauty pageant contestant revealed, “What happened with my father is not what my year is going to be focused on, but we both know there was a message from the experience. He has become my best friend and biggest supporter,” “I am so honored and blessed to be in this position,” Laura said. “It is a humbling experience that will enable me to show people what my family has done, and I will be able to encourage others to do the same. There are many out there, and I was one of them, but it doesn’t have to define you.” She also said that she’ll use her $50,000 scholarship to study family law and use her legal voice on behalf of children of imprisoned parents. Miss America chief Sam said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled with the judges’ choice of Laura. She is a beautiful girl and won out over 52 of the most talented young ladies who have ever taken part in the pageant. They were all the best we have ever had. We have created a dream machine for young women that will not only further their education but also help them serve America.” Miss America Organization President Art McMaster added: ”It was an incredible night -- and what a stunning show!” Congratulations to Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler and here’s to a stellar year!
|
