23-year-old Laura Kaeppeler (KEP’-ler) from Wisconsin won the Miss America pageant Saturday in Las Vegas after singing opera and strutting in a white bikini and black beaded evening gown.

She is so pretty and fresh looking. Good choice!

But the most interesting news for me is that she won after sharing her personal life drama of her Father being in jail.

While her competitors pushed platforms including promoting the health benefits of milk and protecting the environment, Laura Kaeppeler (KEP’-ler) said she wants children of incarcerated adults to feel less alone, to have mentoring and as much of a relationship with their parents as possible.

“There are many of you out there — and I was one of them — but it doesn’t have to define you,” Kaeppeler told The Associated Press after winning the crown and $50,000 scholarship on Saturday night.

Too many young people look for excuse to screw up with their life blaming their parents. Also, well done girl! You are a good exemple for young women growing up in troubled family.