By JESSICA SIEFF
Niles Daily Star

Twelve hopeful girls took the stage Saturday night at Buchanan High School, taking part in what has been a tradition since 1926 – but only one would see her name added to the list of those named Miss Buchanan.

Saturday night, that crown went to Rebecca Kastner.

Kastner had joined Caitlin McCalebb, Julia Danielle La Bounty, Summer Moon Ramsey and Cassie Ward in the top five for the pageant, themed “Star Search” and featuring contestants dancing to Madonna’s “Lucky Star” and Miss Buchanan 2009 Holly Lucas and her court also giving a special performance.

As part of the pageant, each of the top five were asked which celebrity they believed they shared personality traits with and why. Kastner said she felt she best matched personalities with country music star Carrie Underwood.

“She’s an amazing singer and I love to sing and she has blonde hair like me,” Kastner said smiling wide.

Kastner is the daughter of Dennis and Tracy Kastner. Listing her plans for after graduation, the new Miss Buchanan plans to join the Army Reserves and attend college at Western Michigan University or Adrian College. She wants to become a geneticist.

Kastner, who is involved in band and drama, varsity soccer, Redbud Chorale Choir and acts as wrestling manager, tearfully thanked her family and friends as well as the Miss Buchanan committee as she was presented with a $1,000 scholarship by Buchanan Lodge No. 68 and Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan.

Rounding out her court, Ward was crowned second runner-up, La Bounty was crowned first runner-up and Alexis Hanson was crowned Miss Congeniality.