Last week, Beaufort County Schools recognized its top teachers and administrators for the hard work and long hours they put in to enrich the lives of their students.

In a time when quality education in this country is sometimes placed on the back burner, it’s the selfless individuals here in eastern North Carolina and throughout the country who go above and beyond their job descriptions, as well as pay grade, to make the community a better place. At times, education is truly a 24-7 venture.

Melissa Boyd, a seventh- and eighth-grade teacher at Bath Elementary, and Charles Clark, the principal at Northside High School, were honored with the annual Teacher- and Administrator-of-the-Year awards on Thursday, respectively. Both should be applauded for their contributions.

Boyd has been working in education for the last 12 years, teaching one of the most difficult curriculums — science, a subject in which many schools around the country have vacancies. She’s garnered respect from not only her students, but her colleagues as well.

Clark, a product of Beaufort County Schools, has worked in the district for 18 years with stints at Chocowinity High School, P.S. Jones Middle School and Northeast Elementary. Last academic year, Clark juggled both his job as a principal and the role of athletic director without complaint. He attends nearly every Panthers sporting event and brings an unmatched charisma and pride for his institution.

For teachers like Boyd and Clark, as well as the other runners-up, it’s not about the money or the hours. It’s about the mission, making sure their students are prepared for the next level. In Boyd’s case, that’s high school. For Clark, it’s life beyond Northside.