So far, summer break from school has been anything but relaxation for two local girls who represent Union County.

Miss Union Teen, Jordan Suber, and Miss Union, Jessica Beam, have spent the last few weeks intensely preparing for their state pageants, which will be held June 27 through July 4 at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. Both said the pageants cap reigns that have been fun and busy.

“It’s been stressful,” said Miss Suber, 17, a rising senior at Whitmire Community School. “I have learned a lot in everything I did and I’ve built my confidence level in everything that I have been doing.”

Miss Beam, 19, a rising sophomore at Newberry College who is majoring in early childhood and elementary education, said her time holding the crown has been very worthwhile.

“It’s been amazing and very rewarding being Miss Union and meeting people in Union County and the surrounding counties.”

Miss Beam, the daughter of John and Cyndi Beam, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in December of 2007. Her platform is “Multiple Sclerosis Awareness.”

“It has been a very interesting year,” she said. “The National MS Society has been a tremendous help with my platform and my illness. I have felt amazing support from Union. People have been great.”

Both Miss Beam and Miss Suber have been working with interview coach Bobby Holcombe in preparation for questions from the judges.

Both also are cloggers and in preparation for their talent presentations they have been working with Holly Smith Walker of Ultimate Rhythm Dance Company.

Miss Suber, the daughter of Jim and Tammy Suber, has “Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect” as her platform. She promoted it by being a volunteer with Union County DSS, working with them on various activities and speaking on her platform. She is conducting a drive to collect used car seats that are in good shape, books, clothing, pajamas and school supplies for children in foster care. Anyone who wants to donate these items may drop them off at Sight and Sound. She will continue to collect these items until her reign ends in August.

Miss Suber plans to attend college to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. In high school she has been a member of the Senior Beta Club, was a varsity cheerleader, played varsity basketball and tennis and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and WATCH — Whitmire Area Teams Committed to Him.

Miss Suber thanked her family, local pageant executive director Amanda Ferguson and co-director Melinda Wilburn for their support. She thanked those who had purchased program advertising and supported her financially.

Miss Beam and Miss Suber thanked their Palmetto Princesses and Princes. Miss Beam’s are Mackenzie Palmer, Mary Ashton Garrett, Maddyson Ferguson, Kalyn Casey and Christa Owenby. Kyle Hudson is her Prince. Brooklyn Ferguson is Princess in Waiting and Jaiden Redd is Prince in waiting.

Miss Suber’s Palmetto Princess is Marah Robinson.

Along with their queenly duties, both Miss Beam and Miss Suber have kept active in other areas of life. At Newberry College, Miss Beam is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Future Teachers of America and she is a Dean’s List student.

Amanda Ferguson, local executive director of the Miss Union and Miss Union Teen pageants, said she and co-director Melinda Wilburn think Miss Suber and Miss Beam have done a good job representing the county.

“We’re proud of the job the girls have done this past year and we thank the community for all the support they have given these young ladies,” she said.

Mrs. Ferguson said Miss Suber, who assumed the crown in December, had to prepare in a hurry for the pageant.

“We are proud of Jordan and the accomplishments she has made since taking on the title of Miss Union Teen,” she said. “We’re proud of the hard work she has put into the job and that she traveled from Whitmire numerous times each week to be here for the community.”

Mrs. Ferguson also thanked the Department of Social Services and its Foster Children Services program for allowing Miss Suber to work with them.

Mrs. Ferguson pointed out that Miss Beam had the added pressures of being a freshman in college and her battle with MS.

“She has done extremely well balancing her schedule and being here for Union County, especially the schools,” Mrs. Ferguson said. “The children really love her.”

(Miss Suber is a member of Group NBC Teen during pageant competition. She will have her interview with the judges Saturday, June 27 at 9 a.m. Her on stage question will be on Tuesday, June 30. Her physical fitness competition will be Wednesday, talent competition on Thursday and on Friday she will compete in evening wear.

Miss Beam is a member of Group Fox Miss. Her interview with the judges will be Monday, June 29, at 2 p.m. On Tuesday she will compete in evening wear, Wednesday she will take her on stage question, Thursday she will compete in swim wear and on Friday she will compete in talent.

Anyone wanting tickets may order them on line at ticketmaster.com or they may be purchased at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. Ticket books for the entire pageant week may be purchased at a discounted price.)