Laura Kaeppeler, a stunning, 23-year-old brunette from Kenosha, Wisconsin, was like most of the other contestants on stage at the 2012 Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas last weekend. She performed opera in the talent competition, she flashed a megawatt smile in her beaded black evening gown, and she politely demurred when asked about her political views. 

But in one respect, she was nothing like the other contestants. Her platform didn't emphasize education or world hunger. Instead, she took the opportunity to advocate for the children of incarcerated parents, just like she had been.

Laura's father, Jeff, served 18 months in a federal prison camp just as she was starting her freshman year in college. She chose to use the pain of her family's experience to highlight the plight of prisoners' children, and she has started her own nonprofit - Circles of Support - to give hope to prisoners' families. On the Circles of Support web site she writes: 

Dear Children of Incarcerated Parents, 

I know how you feel. When I was 14, an immediate family member committed a white collar crime and when I was 17 was sentenced to one year in federal prison. I was angry, sad and confused. It was not easy but I never gave up hope for a better day, and more importantly, a better life.

I always believed in myself and tried to surround myself with positive people who encouraged me. Promise me one thing - you will always surround yourself with positive role models and never lose faith in yourself. This situation does not define you. Dream BIG - you can achieve anything you set your mind to. I believe in you and I believe in the power of your future!

Love, 
Laura

 The web site also links prisoners' families to helpful organizations, including Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree program.

With the $50,000 scholarship from the competition, Laura plans to attend law school and become a family attorney specializing in helping the children of incarcerated parents.