When a Boy Scout camp was named in John Wayne's honor, he responded by saying that he would rather have his name above a Scout camp than on all the marquees in the world.

It was with that same humble spirit that Patricia &uot;Sister Schubert&uot; Barnes accepted the 2003 Women of Distinction Award for the Girl Scouts of South Central Alabama.

&uot;To be recognized by an organization like the Girl Scout was a great honor and it was also a humbling experience,&uot; she said. &uot;The ideals of Scouting and the values that Scouting teaches are guideposts that will lead you successfully through life.

&uot;The words of the Scouting oath and promise are simple words, yet they mean so much. This award is one of the greatest recognitions I have ever received because it was given to me by one of the greatest organizations ever. We need more organizations in today's world that impact young people the way Scouting does.&uot;

Barnes was one of five honorees who were recognized at a luncheon at the Capital City Club I Montgomery last week.

&uot;Being in the same company as Dr. Alma Freeman, Benita Froemmig, Emilie Reid and Winifred Stakely was an honor in itself,&uot; Schubert said. &uot;These women have done so much for education, for community outreach and for charitable organizations and I have great respect and admiration for them.&uot;

Barnes said the honorees had the opportunity to visit during the program and they all agreed that they have been richly blessed.

&uot;To have the opportunities that we each have to give something back to the communities that have given so much to us is a real blessing,&uot; she said. &uot;I am thankful that I can do things that benefit the people and communities that I care so deeply about. Whenever I am in a position to do something for others, it is not something that I do. It is a gift from God that just passes through my hands.&uot;

Barnes was a Girl Scout, her daughters were Girl Scouts and her son is a Cub Scout, so she knows, first hand, the value of the Christian-based program that emphasizes service to God, country and mankind.

Through Scouting, she learned that it is not what you for yourself that counts; it's what you do for others.

As founder and chief executive officer of Sister Schubert's Homemade Rolls, Barnes' commitment to community is strong.

Sister Schubert's Roll in Luverne sponsors recreational ball teams, is actively involved in fundraising events for charities and delivers food to those in need through the Alabama Food Bank.

&uot;With success come responsibility,&uot; Barnes said. &uot;I have believed that from the very beginning of the bakery.&uot;

And, the more successful her business venture becomes, the more Barnes feels a responsibility to others. And she acknowledges that responsibility and pledges to uphold it.

&uot;I have been blessed, very blessed,&uot; Barnes said as she stood in the shadows of the $8 million expansion under way at Sister Schubert's Homemade Rolls. &uot;When I was a Girl Scout, I never dreamed that I would have the opportunities that have come my way. Even when started a yeast roll bakery in my kitchen in Troy, I didn't dream of anything like this. I have been blessed and I feel it is a responsibility - and a privilege — to share that blessing with others.&uot;