CONYERS — There was a standing ovation when City Manager Tony Lucas unveiled this year’s employee of the year.

Charles Drake with the city’s Public Works and Transportation Department was this year’s standout employee and took home the 2009 Dee Buggay Award of Excellence during the State of the City address earlier this month.

Lucas, who presented the award, said Drake was “very deserving,” and described as dependable “for his opinion, observations, helpful suggestions, ability and a big heart to get a job done, no matter the hours, weekday or weekend.”

“The employee of the year takes extreme pride in his job, is respected among his peers and establishes positive relationships with residents and businesses throughout town,” Lucas said.

Drake participated in the city’s Cherry Blossom Festival, Big Haynes Creek Wildlife Festival and helped build the city’s hometown holiday parade float. He also spearheaded the city’s Relay for Life team and cooked chili for the city’s employee United Way Chili Cook-off.

Drake served seven years in the U.S. Army. He was in Special Operations where he received sniper training and served in Operation Desert Storm.

Also that night, eight city residents were honored for a year of exemplary service to Conyers by supporting its mission. Mayor Randy Mills chose the recipients.

Lucas presented the 2009 Spirit of Conyers awards to:

• O.T. Adams: Former Conyers Police Chief from 1958 to 1981 who continued to work with the city until his retirement in 1999.

• Jean Hambrick: An assistant to the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners chairman for more than 20 years until her retirement in 2000. Hambrick is involved in several volunteer organizations and is president of the Rockdale County Historical Society.

• David LaMalva: A member of the Conyers Housing Authority and DeKalb Technical College Law Enforcement Academy Advisory Board.

• Cesare Matrundola: Volunteer who spearheaded the memorial arboretum project at the Georgia International Horse Park, where residents may dedicate a tree in memory of a deceased loved one. Matrundola is also involved in the Rockdale County Master Gardeners.

• Larry Perry: A representative of Honda of Conyers, which regularly supports programs and events at the Georgia International Horse Park.

• Bill Spivey: Olde Town Conyers merchant for more than 22 years and former city councilman. Spivey is a member of the Conyers Housing Authority board of directors.

• Mike Sullivan: A founding member of the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council and current chairman of the Development Authority of Rockdale County.

• Zia Usmani: Owner of Borage Grill and Creamberry’s, a new ice cream shop in Olde Town.