Staff Writer

The new Miss Union County says she refuses to let multiple sclerosis slow her down or deter her from her goals.

Jessica Alayne Beam, 18, of Greenville, won the pageant, held Saturday night in the auditorium at Sims Jr. High.

“I am dedicated to the job that has been given me and I will persevere in all that I do,” said Miss Beam, a graduate of Berea High School who will attend Newberry College this fall and study early childhood education.

Miss Beam, who wants to be a kindergarten teacher, was diagnosed with MS in December. She said she has learned to deal with her condition.

“I've learned to get enough rest, eat healthy and drink tons of water because it helps with my symptoms,” she said.

The daughter of John and Cyndi Beam, she won a $1,000 scholarship as the new queen. She also won the lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit award and had the highest score in talent. She performed a high energy clogging routine during the talent presentation. She received $50 cash scholarships for winning swimsuit and talent.

A former Miss Boiling Springs Teen, Miss Beam said she was excited about winning Miss Union.

“This was my first “Miss” pageant ever and I didn't know what to expect,” she said. “I was taken aback and excited that I would be representing Union County.”

Miss Beam said she looks forward to promoting her platform, “Multiple Sclerosis Awareness.” As Miss Teen Boiling Springs, her platform was another subject dear to her heart, “Adoption, the Best Option.” Miss Beam's parents adopted her when she was two days old. During her time as Miss Boiling Springs Teen she worked with ACES - Adoption Coalition for Education and Support and helped mentor a 15-year-old girl who had recently learned she was adopted.

Shasta Nicole Allen, 21, of Boiling Springs was first runner-up.

Amber Champion was crowned the new Miss Union County Teen. She received a $500 savings bond. She is the daughter of Troy and Carla Champion. Her platform is “Palmetto Hugs: Childhood Cancer Awareness.”

Miss Champion and her twin sister, Katelyn, started Palmetto Hugs three years ago. It involves visiting hospitals for children and delivering stuffed animals, books and crayons. The money collected through the project goes to Curesearch - childhood cancer research.

“I'm really excited,” she said. “It is a privilege to be able to serve Union County and I hope I can do it well. It's going to be a fun-packed year; it's going to be an amazing journey.”

Both Miss Champion and Miss Beam also received $50 gift cards to Wal-Mart.

Amanda Ferguson, local executive director of the Miss Union and Miss Union Teen pageants, said the thinks both girls will serve Union County well.

“And the community will reap the rewards and benefits from these young women as far as community service,” she said. “I hope the community will support them. Union County needs positive role models.”

Anyone such as church, school and ladies groups wanting to book Miss Beam or Miss Champion may call Mrs. Ferguson at 427-3262 or 426-6536.

Miss Beam and Miss Champion will have their first appearance together Saturday at Wal-Mart. They and WSPA-TV weatherman Jack Roper will try to “Fill a Bus” full of school supplies for needy children.

During a Miss Union Court of Queens Pageant Friday night, the following were crowned:

Baby Miss Union Queen, Ondrea Smith; Tiny Miss Union Queen, Rylee Jeffcoat; Little Miss Union Queen, Kirby Helms; Young Miss Union Queen, Libbi Davis; Pre-Teen Miss Union Queen, Summer Davis; Junior Miss Union Queen, Madison Phipps; the overall Miss Union Court of Queens with the highest score in the pageant was Michaela Knox; the Miss Union Court of Queens People's Choice Award went to Lillianna Kurtz; Miss Union Court of Queens Signature Queen is Libbi Davis and the two top ad sellers were Elaina Tucker and Hailee Davis.