Miss America 2012 at YWCPA.

Laura Kaeppeler, Miss America 2012, brought a message of encouragement, determination, and persistence to the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy during a recent visit to the school. 

Kaeppeler spoke about how she never thought she would be successful, much less named Miss America, since her father was sent to prison while she was in high school.  That’s why she chose mentoring to children whose parents are incarcerated as her platform. 

Kaeppeler says she is thankful for her past and said it was other people believing in her that led her on the path to success, explaining that the four points of her crown represent service, scholarship, style, and success.  During her speech, Miss America recited one of her favorite quotes from Oprah Winfrey, “It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from, the ability to triumph begins with you always.”