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Celebrating 50 Years With Bexley's Own Miss America 1972

Laurel Lea Schaefer-Bozoukoff

Fifty years ago Bexley's own Laurel Lea Schaefer was crowned Miss America 1972. Laurel Lea will be joining us via Zoom to celebrate this momentous anniversary. Learn about her many travels and career.

Fifty years ago Bexley’s own Laurel Lea Schaefer was crowned Miss America 1972. Join us via Zoom to celebrate this momentous anniversary. She traveled more than 100,000 miles during her reign and was the last Miss America to visit Vietnam, which is the topic of her upcoming book. A graduate from Ohio University with a BFA in Theatre Arts and Music, Laurel Lea has enjoyed an entertainment career spanning 50 years. Don't miss this engaging and informative conversation between Ms. Schaefer-Bozoukoff and Lori Ann Feibel, member and former president of Bexley City Council.

Laurel Lea Schaefer-Bozoukoff, a 1967 graduate of Bexley High School, was described as the All-American – Girl Next Door when she competed in local, state and Miss America pageants. Among her titles were Miss Southern Ohio, Miss Central Ohio, and Miss Ohio 1971. When heading to the national competition, Laurel light-heartedly exclaimed she was now pursuing the “Triple Crown!” Days after winning, she introduced the idea that Miss America should have a “Mission” to provide more substance and relativity for the year. Laurel showed support and solidarity for U.S. military service members by wearing a pewter wristband inscribed with the name of a POW/MIA. In later years, she became a certified brain injury specialist and provided service members and their families strategies for overcoming the effects of traumatic brain injury. Laurel was also the founder of The Women’s Leadership Foundation and is currently the owner and casting director for Creative Casting Services which specializes in children’s commercials and animated feature films. In 2015, she married fellow Ohio University alum and Retired Air Force Major Michael Bozoukoff. Known as the Major and Miss America, they reside in the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, WA.

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