PORT NECHES — When Rachel Hammersmith sets a goal for herself, she reaches it.

Hammersmith, a junior at Port Neches-Groves High School, is the 2017 Miss Port Neches.

“It’s a goal she set for herself,” her mother, Scarlet Hammersmith, said of the title. “She’s such a well rounded kid, not just because of her grades or her looks but for what she’s accomplished and will accomplish.”

The new queen is one busy student. She’s a member of the Association of Indian Athletes, National Honor Society, plays varsity volleyball and softball, is in the Port Neches Community Advisory Panel and sings in the youth praise team at United Methodist Temple.

“I spend a lot of time doing homework,” Hammersmith said. “I’m in all pre-advanced placement courses and in the top one percent of my class.”

Her plans after high school include attending Texas A&M University where she will work to become a chemical engineer.

When she’s not studying, playing sports or at church she spends time playing with her dog Biscuit, a golden-doodle, whose birthday was April 1 — the same day as the Miss Port Neches Pageant.

Hammersmith said she was totally shocked when she learned she was the pageant queen and is very proud to be able to say she represents her city.

She also wants to use her new role to help others. She is looking at ways to possibly get with her church or other churches and find ways to help the community. One idea, she said, is building wheelchair ramps for those in need.

“I don’t want my name to be in the books (just as queen) but to be known for helping others in the community,” she said.

Rachel Hammersmith is the daughter of Scarlet and Mike Hammersmith.