Most people understand and appreciate the importance of a good role model in the development of our youth. More often than not, it can make the difference between success and failure as teens develop into adults.

A number of local corporate citizens are giving of their time Thursday to serve as role models for the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Job Shadow Day. With the sponsorship of PotashCorp, Job Shadow Day gives 62 Beaufort County 10th-graders the opportunity to spend the morning in a work environment of their choosing.

Nearly half of the students will spend the morning at Vidant Beaufort Hospital observing various medical careers. Among the other mentors and mentoring sites are Will Mayo at Mayo & Mayo, District Attorney Seth Edwards, National Spinning, Pamlico Animal Hospital, Tayloe’s Hospital Pharmacy, Dr. Angie Rhodes, the Washington Police Department, Beaufort County government, Beaufort County Community College and Beaufort County Schools.

The day would not be a success without the support of school guidance counselors Christina Harris with Beaufort County Schools, Kaye Koplin at Southside High School, Stacy Jones at Northside High School and Kristy Christenberry at Washington High School.

Job Shadow Day goes a long way toward helping students choose a potential career path that, in turn, motivates them to academic success. It is vital to local workforce development.

Our thanks to all of the business leaders for investing some of their present time to make a difference for the future.