Little Rock, Arkansas, April 3, 2025 — Graduate Arkansas Charter High School is pleased to announce that Judge Tjuana Byrd Manning, Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge in the 8th Juvenile Division, will be the keynote speaker for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony. The graduation will take place at Second Baptist Church on Friday, May 23, 2025, beginning at 5:00 pm, located at 1709 John Barrow Rd., Little Rock, AR 72204.
"We are honored to welcome Judge Tjuana Byrd Manning as our Commencement speaker," said Graduate Arkansas Charter High School Superintendent Katie Hatley. "Judge Manning's dedication to public service, especially her advocacy for children and youth, embodies the values we hope to project to our students. Her story will inspire our graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their lives."
About Judge Tjuana Byrd Manning
Judge Tjuana Byrd Manning has spent her adult life in public service. She is passionate about children, women and girls, the elderly and healthy living. She recently chaired the Racial Justice Taskforce on assignment of the Arkansas Supreme Court's Commission on Children, Youth and Families. Judge Byrd Manning currently serves as a member of the Arkansas Commission on Juvenile Justice, a member of the Arkansas CLE Board, and a Donaghey Foundation Trustee.
An active member of St. Mark Baptist Church, she serves as a large group leader/storyteller in children's church and a Director for the Watson Primary Ensemble choir for children ages 3-11. Judge Manning is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and is in the Beta Pi Omega Chapter. She is also a life member of the NAACP, life member of the U of A and UA Little Rock's Alumni Associations. In addition to the community and church activities in which she is involved, she enjoys travel, exercise and fitness, outdoor activities, and attending and watching sports events.
Judge Byrd Manning has received numerous awards for her service to community and children's advocacy, and now serves as Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge in the 8th Juvenile Division. She is married to the love of her life, Michael Manning and bonus mom to twins, Owen and Nicholas, who have also truly captured her heart.
About Graduate Arkansas Charter High School
Graduate Arkansas is a drop out prevention and recovery high school with a 12+ year history of serving "AT-PROMISE" students through flexible approaches. The school has grown from a local charter to a state-wide educational necessity, and has maintained financial stability and integrity throughout its development.
Founded in 2011 as SIATech Little Rock on Job Corps's campus, the school became a community school in 2013. Operating as an open entry/exit credit recovery high school, it was renamed Graduate Arkansas in 2019. The school was granted a cap increase in 2021, the same year it began statewide juvenile justice services. Graduate Arkansas has benefited from consistent leadership under Superintendent Hatley since its founding.
For more information about Graduate Arkansas Charter High School's Commencement 2025, please visit the school's website or contact the school office at (501) 500-9270.