Support staff and teachers of the Manassas City School system were recognized Tuesday evening during a special award ceremony.

The ceremony was part of a school board meeting held at City Hall, which was quickly filled with teachers and school staff.

The nominees and winners of several categories were honored with plaques for their service to the school system.

The Manassas City School Teacher of the Year award went to Ruth Lindenfelser of Osbourn High School. Lindenfelser has worked for the school system for seven years and teaches courses in English 10, Journalism and Yearbook Journalism.

"I'm really honored," Lindenfelser said. "I was very surprised; Manassas City has so many good teachers that I didn't expect this."

Another honor that was given during the ceremony was the Washington Post Angnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award, which was given to Sandra Reynolds a reading specialist from Mayfield Intermediate School.

Also, the Outstanding Teacher award for the first, second and third year teacher was given. This award is for teachers who have made noteworthy accomplishments early in their career and have long-range potential.

The Outstanding Teacher award for the first year teacher was given to Lauren Birch of Dean Elementary School. The award for the second year teacher was given to Nicole Schmitt of Weems Elementary School and the third year Outstanding Teacher was Rodney Jordan of Mayfield Intermediate School.

Alongside these three awards,  was the Mentor of the Year, who was Susan Groundwater of Mayfield Intermediate School. She was mentor to Jordan, the recipient of the third year Outstanding Teacher award.

Another person from Mayfield Intermediate School that was recognized was Michelle Suit, who was given the Division Support Employee of the Year award. Suite, who was on crutches, joked upon receiving her award by saying her husband was her support staff as he attempted to help her.