Natchez &8212; Arella Bacon has probably never learned to say &8220;no.&8221;

A founder of Ruritan and Ruriteen service clubs in Adams County and Concordia Parish, Bacon volunteers for or is a member of nearly 20 organizations in the Miss-Lou. She has been a 4-H leader for 35 years, and her name has become synonymous with beautification in Natchez through her work as coordinator of Keep Adams County Beautiful.

The retired teacher is also a volunteer for Adams County Youth Court, and just last week she agreed to work with the Court Appointed Special Advocates program.

&8220;I know God gives me the strength to do it,&8221; said Bacon, who wakes at 4 a.m. most days to begin her work.

Despite all of her volunteer activities, Bacon was still surprised last week to learn she had won this year&8217;s Athena Award from the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce.

The Athena Award is given to a woman in the community who acts as an example to other women through her integrity and service.

Bacon tells many of the youth she works with, &8220;You have to have motivation to keep things going. You have to keep Christ first in your life.&8221;

Volunteering has made Bacon happier than she&8217;s ever been.

&8220;This is sort of like my livelihood,&8221; she said. &8220;Whatever I do is from my heart.&8221;

Bacon goes out of her way to treat even potential enemies with kindness.

&8220;If someone does me wrong, that&8217;s the person I&8217;ve got to show love,&8221; she said.

A mother of two grown children, Bacon enjoys working with young people. &8220;Older people are set in their ways,&8221; she said. &8220;You can motivate younger people.&8221;

Bacon still meets people she taught during her 27 years as a schoolteacher in Fayette, and she is often impressed by their success in life.

Bacon herself rose from somewhat humble circumstances in the rural community of Kingston. She uses that background as motivation for the youth with whom she works.

&8220;I went to a one-room schoolhouse, walked three miles to school. I had to use an outhouse. I tell these children, &8216;You have all of these advantages. Keep your hand in God&8217;s hand &8212; never let go.&8217;&8221;