Manassas City Schools held a reception prior to Tuesday night's school board meeting to recognize several of their  award-winning employees, as well as teachers who have served more than 20 years and are retiring at the end of the year.

In order to receive an Apple award, a teacher must display willingness to work hard, help students, keep students motivated, give individualized instruction, meet with parents, use technology and share information with other teachers.

The recipients of the Apple award for 2012 are: Arthraa Dawhi, Don Regenbogen, Cathy Nowak, Margie Gamble, Samantha Youlen, Christa Kellas, Kristen Meier, Ali Lipton and Melissa McCormick.

"I love my job. I'm on top of it," said Arthraa Dawhi, instructional technology training specialist for Baldwin Elementary School.

Dawhi works with students, teachers and parents to make sure they understand how to use the latest technology. She has also integrated children engineering projects into the classroom with the teachers.

To receive the Pear award support staff must be motivated, strong team players collaborative and willing to assist others.

The recipients of the Pear award are: Christina Gross, Wanda Gray, Shanea Hill, Betsy Harlow, Pam Gustafson, Lorraine Hoyt, Deanna Layton, Arlene Higgins, Renee Qura, Sandy Thompson and Dottie McKinney.

"I love seeing all the children grasp the knowledge of how the computer works, and watching them grow throughout the year," said Christina Gross of Baldwin Elementary School's computer lab.

Many teachers and support personnel were recognized for their upcoming retirement.

The retiring teachers included: Susan Perryman, Linda Wolstenholme, Linda Rath, Linda Andrews, Virginia Henry, Joan Fries, Sam Wilfong, Bea Wilfong, Louis Schiavo, Myra Stephenson, Ralph Boehm, Maragret Kaminsky, Kaycee Emilienburg, Diane Sterbutzel, Jane Shamesman, Jack Yankey, Amy Crompton and Evelyn Hurlock.

The retiring support staff included: Brenda "Susie" Cook, Glynndia Gustavus, George Henderson, David Schauer, Mary Campell, Wyn Weber, Pamela Hathaway, Barabra LePre, Marion Martin, Elaine Burdick and Dorothy Clemens.

After all the retiring teachers and support staff were announced, it was also announced that superintendent Gail Pope was retiring. Pope gave a tearful, but happy thank you to everyone for their dedication.