The new Miss Union is a Clemson University civil engineering major who one day wants a career designing and constructing bridges.

Allison Caviness, 19, was crowned Saturday night at USC-Union. She is the daughter of Buddy and Allison Caviness.

She said she was thrilled to win the title.

“It’s indescribable,” said Miss Caviness, who sang “The Melody Within” for her talent presentation.

With her platform, “Physical Fitness and Nutrition,” Miss Caviness said she hopes to speak in area schools and industries about the importance of exercise and healthy eating. She also hopes to organize local fitness walks and would like to lobby for better food and drink choices in vending machines at schools and businesses.

Madison Owens of Ware Shoals was crowned Miss Union Teen. The 12-year-old performed a jazz dance for her talent.

She said she is excited to win the crown and looks forward to promoting her platform in Union. Miss Owens has ties to Union — her favorite uncle is Dr. Bill James, a Spartanburg physician who is a Union native. Ware Shoals offers no local teen pageant for competition.

Miss Owens’ platform is SPARKLE — “When all our sparks combine, that is when we truly shine.”

“Every person has the potential to help someone else or make them smile,” she said. “When I chose my platform I knew that there were so many different organizations dedicated to helping one specific thing but I felt like if I chose one, then it would be leaving the others out. So, instead of just picking one, such as the Children’s Miracle Network, I wanted to find a way to reach out to everyone who could possibly need a helping hand or a touch or sparkle.”

Miss Owens is the daughter of Ronnie and Sandi McAllister-Owens. She is a student at Cambridge Academy.

In the Miss Union Pageant, Bailey Queen was first runner-up and won the evening gown competition. Kaitlyn Wade was second runner-up and won the essay contest concerning her platform, “True Love Waits.”

Miss Caviness was the contestant who raised the most money for the Children’s Miracle Network and also won the Most Photogenic award. Nan Gregory won the community service award

Kyler Haskell was first runner-up in the Miss Union Teen pageant. Second runner-up was Ashley LaPierre. Miss LaPierre also won the evening gown competition and the People’s Choice Award.

Amanda Ferguson, local executive director for the Miss Union and Miss Union Teen pageants, said both that pageant and the Miss Union Court of Queens pageant held Friday night were huge successes.

“I was very happy about the community support the town gave us,” she said. “I thank everyone who did support us. It raises the girls’ self-esteem when they know the community is supportive.”

Mrs. Ferguson said she thinks both girls will represent Union well in their respective state pageants in July 2010.

“I hope the town will continue to help them in every way possible as they represent the community,” she said. “It will be a challenge for them and the job they do is a reflection on the town.”

Makayla Dawkins was crowned Teeny Tiny Miss Union Court of Queens. Cassidy Price is the new Tiny Tot Miss Union Court of Queens. Little Miss Union Court of Queens is Kirby Helms. Catherine Taylor is Young Miss Union Court of Queens. Madison Phipps is Jr. Miss Union Court of Queens. Lillianna Kurtz received the Miss Union Court of Queens People’s Choice Award. Anna Eller is Miss Union Court of Queens top ad seller. Selena Plaza is the Miss Union Court of Queens signature queen. The overall winner of the pageant, Miss Union Court of Queens Grand Supreme, is Adrianne Morris.