Laura Kaeppeler: 2012 Miss America Pageant Winner is a Role Model [PHOTOS]

Laura Kaeppeler, who won the coveted Miss America crown, can rightly be regarded as a role model.

The 23-year old model is a graduate of Carthage College, Kenosha, and also holds a B.A. in Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance.

During her studies, Laura reportedly travelled to Europe for a collegiate choir tour, sang at Carnegie Hall and was a member of the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus.

Owing to her long list of scholastic achievements, she has received many honours in the past, including the Dean's List and Outstanding Senior Music Major Award. Apart from this, she is also the owner of a private music studio and a vocal and piano instructor.

Kaeppeler was named the winner after the final interview round where she was asked if Miss America should be allowed to declare a political affiliation. To this, Laura answered that the title Miss America represents everyone and hence, taking any political sides would be "Unnecessary divisive."

Besides winning the coveted crown, the stunning model has also received a $50,000 scholarship with which she plans to mentor children of incarcerated parents. Her close affinity to such children is reportedly due to the fact that she herself was once the child of an incarcerated parent. As such, she understands the difficulties associated with having a family member in prison.

Apart from this, Kaeppeler won an additional $2,000 in scholarship funds for her victory in the preliminary talent competition, for her performance of "Il Bacio" by Luigi Arditi.

Take a look at Miss America 2012 Laura Kaeppeler as she reacts after receiving the coveted crown in the images given: