Graves is Hunter Mill District's "Lady Fairfax"

Reston's Ellen Graves has a lot of titles.

She serves on the  boards of the and  Herndon-Reston FISH (Friendly, Instant, Sympathic Help) Board of Directors. She is the  vice-chairman of theAdvisory Board.

Graves is also the co-founder of Reston's Multicultural Festival, the founder of the Hunter Mill Coat Closet and chair of the Reston Association's  elections committee.

Graves' contributions to the community have earned her another title: Lady Fairfax.

Graves has been selected as the Hunter Mill District's 2011 Lady Fairfax. Each year, the county supervisor bestows the honor of Lord and Lady Fairfax to a man and woman nominated by their district supervisor for their exemplary contributions to volunteerism in the community.

The award is given the week of the Celebrate Fairfax festival, which begins Thursday. The tradition dates back to 1984, and since then, more than 500 citizens have received the award.

“Ellen has served the residents of Hunter Mill District as an employee of Fairfax County, a volunteer for several non-profits, and she continues to give her your time and energy so that the greater community benefits," Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins said in an email. "While I have always appreciated her efforts, I think the entire County should as well.”

Steve Gurney, founder of the Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook, is this year's Lord Fairfax.

Gurney last year organized the

Said Hudgins:  “In a short time, Steve Gurney has demonstrated that the success of the community is predicated upon us all working together.  He energizes those older and inspires the those younger to want to make Fairfax County a wonderful place for all generations.”

Graves says she serves to help people, not to win awards.

"I think this is quite an honor," she said. "But to me the greatest honor is being recognized by someone you have been able to help. That's what it is all about. If you do it for someone else,  someone else will do it for you."

The Lords and Ladies from all districts will be honored at a lunch in Fairfax Tuesday.

Great Falls residents Joan K. Barnes and Eric Knudsen are the Dranesville district Lord and Lady Fairfax. To see a complete list of 2011 winners, click here.