Former Wake County Superior Court Judge Howard Manning has been presented the Friend of the Court award on Wednesday, September 14, for his dedicated service, including his 20-year administration of the Leandro case. The award was presented by Chief Justice Mark Martin, who was accompanied by former Chief Justice Burley Mitchell and AOC Assistant Director David Hoke at the presentation. It is the highest award given by the Judicial Branch.

"Judge Manning is truly a consummate professional in advancing the quality of justice in North Carolina," said Chief Justice Martin. "Our state and our profession would truly look different without his contributions. It is my honor and privilege to present him this Friend of the Court award."

Judge Manning retired in July 2015 after 25 years of service to Judicial District 10 (Wake County). He was appointed as a Superior Court judge by Gov. Jim Martin in 1988, and reappointed by Gov. Jim Hunt in 1996. His service includes his 20-year administration of the Leandro case, the landmark Supreme Court decision declaring that the state constitution guarantees every child a sound, basic education. After the ruling in 1997, Chief Justice Mitchell assigned Judge Manning to monitor the state's compliance with the ruling, which he has continued to oversee after retiring.

"The people of this state and especially our children owe Judge Manning a tremendous debt of gratitude for his tireless decades pursuing the goal of ensuring that all of North Carolina's children have the opportunity to receive a sound, basic education," said former Chief Justice Mitchell.

Judge Manning's numerous awards include the UNC School of Education Peabody Award in 2010 for extraordinary impact on the field of education, and the Public School Forum of North Carolina's Education Leadership Award in 2005. He graduated from UNC and received his Juris Doctor from UNC School of Law in 1968.