Miss America 2012: Miss Wisconsin and Other Winners over the Past 10 Years [PHOTOS]

Laura Kaeppeler, a 23-year-old from Kenosha, Wis., was crowned Miss America 2012 on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Kaeppeler, a tall, dark-haired beauty, impressed the seven judges after walking the runway in a white bikini and a black, beaded evening gown.

Miss America represents everyone, so I think the message to political candidates is that they represent everyone as well, Kaeppeler said, And so in these economic times, we need to be looking forward to what America needs, and I think Miss America needs to represent all.

The beauty queen went to St. Joseph High School and graduated from Carthage College in 2010 (both institutions are in her hometown) and wishes to become a speech pathologist.

The newest Miss America will tour the country next year, speaking to different people and organizations and raising money for the Children's Miracle Network, the Miss America Organization's official charity.

Check out the past winners.