In our busy, rushed world, it’s easy to throw up your hands and say, “What can I do, I’m only one person?”

In reality, one person can do a whole heck of a lot to impact the community and on Tuesday night, Natchez honored several of those can-do individuals.

The annual Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce gala honored three individuals and two local businesses for their exemplary service and accomplishments in the community.

The Natchez Man of the Year honor went to two people, affectionately dubbed by the presenter as Natchez’s dynamic duo. The title is fitting, since the efforts of Natchez City Engineer David Gardner and Community Alliance head John Holyoak were akin to the work of community superheroes. The pair spearheaded the Natchez Trails Project, which created walking trails along the riverfront and throughout downtown complete with a “museum of the streets.”

Their work is a testament to the power of people working together with the Community Alliance to get things done.

The Chamber’s Natchez Woman of the Year honor was also equally deserved, going to Christmas in Natchez: City of Lights co-founder Ginger Hyland. Her vision, along with the help of many others has turned the Christmas season into a series of events in Natchez.

The small and large business of the years honorees, Moreton’s Flowerland and Supermarket Operations (The Markets), are also worthy of the recognition. Both businesses and their owners are critically important to our community and always ready to help out on community projects.

Congratulations to all of the winners. We hope their community leadership will continue to serve as a role model for others.