Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Maryland Court of Appeals recently acknowledged young artists for their contributions to promoting peace. The students, hailing from various parts of Maryland, were celebrated alongside their families and supporters as winners of the Maryland Judiciary’s Conflict Resolution Day Student Bookmark Art Contest. The event took place on November 12 in the lobby of the Courts of Appeal Building in Annapolis.
This year marks the ninth iteration of this art contest, which received a record number of 2,280 entries from children in kindergarten through eighth grade across Maryland. The bookmarks created by these young artists will be exhibited in the lobby until mid-December.
The contest is organized by the Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO). Participants' artwork centered around themes such as resolving or preventing conflict, peer mediation, communication, apologizing, respecting differences, collaborative problem-solving, listening, tolerance, peace-building, and non-violent alternatives.
Prizes are awarded to first, second, and third place winners within three age categories: kindergarten-second grade; third-fifth grade; and sixth-eighth grade. The prizes for each category include $75 for first place; $50 for second place; and $25 for third place. Additionally, three to five selected entries may be reproduced as bookmarks to further promote conflict resolution throughout Maryland.