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.

Miss America 2012 and Other Winners in the Past
Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler waves after being crowned Miss America 2012 during the 2012 Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 14, 2012. Reuters
Miss America 2012 and Other Winners in the Past
Miss Nebraska Teresa Scanlan, 17, smiles during a news conference after winning the 2011 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 15, 2011 Reuters
Miss America 2012 and Other Winners in the Past
Miss Oklahoma Lauren Nelson is crowned Miss America 2007 as host Mario Lopez looks on in Las Vegas, Nevada, in this January 29, 2007 file photo. The Country Music Television network said Thursday that it has notified the Miss America Organization that it would not exercise its option to broadcast the pageant next year through 2011. Reuters
Miss America 2012 and Other Winners in the Past
Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund reacts after being crowned Miss America 2008 during the Miss America Live! pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada January 26, 2008. Reuters
Miss America 2012 and Other Winners in the Past
Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron reacts after being crowned Miss America at the 2010 Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada January 30, 2010. Reuters
Miss America 2012 and Other Winners in the Past
Miss Oklahoma Jennifer Berry (L) is crowned 2006 Miss America by Miss America 2005 Diedre Downs at the conclusion of the Miss America pageant at the Aladdin Casino in Las Vegas January 21, 2006. Reuters
Miss America 2012 and Other Winners in the Past
Miss Indiana Katie R. Stam reacts as she is crowned Miss America 2009 by 2008 winner Kirsten Haglund during the Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada January 24, 2009. Reuters