Educators hailing from Beaufort County Early College High School took home the district’s top honors this year.

Early College Principal Emily Pake was named Principal of the Year for 2017-18, and teacher Tabitha Roberson was named Teacher of the Year.

Roberson is a science teacher at the Early College High School. Originally from Greensboro, Roberson studied at North Carolina State University and Duke University and previously worked for Craven Early College. She lives with her family in Washington.

“Tabitha is an extraordinary educator. She has high expectations, delivers rigorous content, (and) has high levels of student engagement and meaningful instruction every day. She embodies what excellent teaching is,” Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps said of Roberson.

Roberson was not immediately available for further comment Wednesday afternoon.

Pake has worked with Beaufort County Schools for 13 years, and served as principal at the Early College for the past five years. She said it was an honor to be recognized as Principal of the Year, and both nominations speak volumes about the Early College.

“I believe this is a testament to the shared vision of the school. Everyone works extremely hard to make sure the students receive an excellent education. We are all truly committed to student success,” Pake said. “We will continue to invest in the lives of our students by building positive relationships and holding students to high academic standards.”

Phipps said Pake shows strong leadership and “unwavering” support for her school’s faculty, staff and students.

“She never ceases in her drive toward continuous improvement for herself and the school,” he said.

Both educators were recognized at an Aug. 31 banquet to celebrate their accomplishments and hard work.