VIDALIA — Tracee Albert dreamed of becoming Miss Vidalia since the second grade.

That dream came to fruition Saturday night at the Vidalia Convention and Conference Center when the Vidalia High School senior was crowed this year’s Miss Vidalia.

“I would always come to the events when I was young and see the older girls participate,” Albert, 17, said. “I told myself that I would be here one day.”

Albert relied on the help of her cousin, Caylin Riley, to prepare her for the competition.

It was worth it, Riley said.

Albert said being Miss Vidalia now gives her the opportunity to be the role model she once looked up to as a child.

“I have a chance to be a role model to children and people my age now,” Albert said. “My goal is to set the best example possible.”

Albert plans to attend the University of Louisiana Monroe to major in speech language pathology — to honor her parents.

Her parents, Charles Sr. and Idella Albert, are both deaf.

This sparked Albert to help others with impaired hearing around the world.

“I want to be able to translate to older people and teach sign language,” Albert said.

During her interview at the pageant, Albert said if she woke up tomorrow and gained any ability or quality, it would be to reassure people that God forgives past mistakes, letting the individual move on with their life.

Albert is a cheerleader and maintains a 3.6 GPA. She is also a member of the Beta Club, student council, gifted and talented arts program and Juniorettes.

Albert has also earned several college hours before graduation.

In the future, Albert hopes to take part in mission trips to Africa and help aid the country’s natives.

Other pageant participants included: Tierra Bell, Monica Charrier, Breanna-Michelle McElwee, Shelbie Mulvihill, Megan Naquin, Jewel Thompson, Heather Weeks and Taylor Yates.

Mulvihill, Naquin, Yates and Charrier were all runner-ups to Albert in the pageant.

The annual Miss Vidalia pageant is hosted by the Vidalia Women’s Club.