NATCHEZ — Katie Kammerdeiner is ready to inspire a new generation of young men and women to eat healthy and exercise.

Crowned the 2017 Miss Vidalia Saturday night, Kammerdeiner knows the title comes with important obligations.

“I think being Miss Vidalia is a big responsibility because you have to be a role model to other kids that look up to you,” Kammerdeiner said. “You also have to show great pride in your community.”

Being a good role model is something for which Kammerdeiner has always strived, the Vidalia High School senior said.  She is a member of several clubs and organizations, including Key Club.

“Volunteer work is very important to me,” Kammerdeiner said. “We do cleanup days, we help put up Christmas lights around town, painted benches and helped pick up trash along the side of the road.”

As a senior, Kammerdeiner’s thoughts many days are about the future and her goal of being a personal trainer and one day owning a health and fitness facility.

“Hopefully by the time I graduate (in May), I will be able to take the test and be certified,” Kammerdeiner said.

To be certified by the American Council on Exercise, trainers must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma, Kammerdeiner said.

The senior said earlier in her life she was unhealthy and overweight. It was not until she decided to make a change that she discovered her love of fitness.

“When I starting being healthy, I realized how much I liked it and had a passion for it and how much I wanted others to get healthy and feel better about themselves,” she said.

Getting inspiration from NIKE trainer and fitness model Alex Silver Fagan, Kammerdeiner said she wants people to do more than just eat right and exercise.

“Alex encourages and inspires everyone to feel beautiful with themselves,” Kammerdeiner said. “You need to love your body and accept yourself the way you  are.”

With two older sisters and another twin sister, Kammerdeiner said she also looks up to her father John and his dedication to work and family.

“I want to be as dedicated in my work as he is,” she said.

Kammerdeiner’s mother Sheri said she is amazed by her daughter and how she has embraced the role of Miss Vidalia.

“What I love about her is that she understands that she has the ability to influence young men and women to make good decisions and be a good role model,” Sheri said. “I look forward to her participating in events throughout the years and will watch with pride.”