Feeling small and helpless in the great big world around us can be easy.

Our own self-doubting nature can often make some of us feel like one person does not matter anymore. But the myth that feeling that a single person cannot make a huge difference is debunked by several hard-working local residents who were recognized for their efforts on Tuesday evening.

The Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce recognized some of the giants walking among us when they selected their slate of annual award recipients including:

Longtime volunteer Curtis Moroney was honored with the Natchezian Man of the Year award. The list of groups and causes in which Moroney has been involved is impressive, and he certainly deserves the honor for all the time and effort he puts into making the community better.

The same can be said for the hard-working winner of the Natchezian Woman of the Year title, Ruth Nichols. She continues to impress us with her enthusiasm and interest in making Natchez better for all.

Individuals are also behind the chamber’s other two big awards, the small and large business of the year honors.

Natchez business couple Dennis and Darby Short was honored with the small business award. The Shorts continue to make a huge impact on both downtown through their businesses, but also on the community through their community endeavors.

The Paradise/Byrne Company earned special recognition as the large business of the year. The company has ties that reach far beyond Natchez, but its founders’ hearts remain firmly entrenched in our community, and the community is better for their involvement here as well.