Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Maryland Court of Appeals will host an event to honor young artists who have used their talents to promote peace. The reception will take place on Wednesday, November 12, at 4 p.m. in the lobby of the Courts of Appeal Building in Annapolis. The students, along with their families and supporters, will be recognized as winners of the Maryland Judiciary’s Conflict Resolution Day Student Bookmark Art Contest.
The contest, now in its ninth year, received a record 2,280 entries from Maryland children ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade. The artwork will be displayed in the lobby through mid-December.
Chief Judge Barbera will acknowledge the winners and present awards during the reception. Details about the winners can be found on the Judiciary website.
The contest is organized by the Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) and encourages themes such as peer mediation, apologizing, respecting differences, and alternatives to violence.
Prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place across three age groups: kindergarten-second grade; third-fifth grade; and sixth-eighth grade. First-place winners receive $75; second-place winners get $50; and third-place winners earn $25. Additionally, some entries may be printed as bookmarks to promote conflict resolution throughout Maryland.