Laura Kaeppeler, '10, is crowned Miss Wisconsin 2011 by Kimberly Sawyer, Miss Wisconsin 2010, at the June 18 pageant.

Laura Kaeppeler, '10, will compete in Miss America pageant in January

Mere months after graduating in December, a new Carthage alumna is making headlines. Laura Marie Kaeppeler, ’10, won the Miss Wisconsin 2011 crown and a $10,000 scholarship at the 2011 Miss Wisconsin Scholarship Pageant Saturday, June 18, in Oshkosh.

Laura Kaeppeler, Miss Wisconsin 2011. Photos courtesy of Jon Wenger, wengerphotography.com.

This year Miss Kaeppeler competed in the pageant as Miss Southern Wisconsin. Her win brings the Miss Wisconsin title back to Kenosha County for the first time since 2008.

The Kenosha native earned her bachelor's degree in music education and vocal performance from Carthage, participating in popular programs like the J-Term Opera class along the way. Miss Kaeppeler's vocal stylings impressed during the competition as she sang the classical aria "Il Bacio" (The Kiss) for her talent portion.

Miss Kaeppeler intends to use her Miss Wisconsin platform to encourage support for children of incarcerated parents. Next January she will travel to the Miss America 2012 pageant in Las Vegas to represent the state and compete for the title.

— Maeve McFadden, '12