The Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) has announced the winners of its 15th annual bookmark art contest. Students from schools across Maryland participated in the contest, creating bookmarks centered on themes of preventing or resolving conflicts peacefully. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the contest and awards ceremonies were held remotely for the first time.
Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Maryland Court of Appeals hosted three separate Zoom ceremonies on January 19, 20, and 21 to announce the winners from kindergarten through eighth grade. Chief Judge Barbera praised the students' creativity and resilience during virtual learning. "The creativity and artwork of Maryland’s schoolchildren is inspiring, especially during this year of virtual learning at home," she stated. She emphasized the importance of teaching children about positive conflict resolution alternatives.
Over 300 entries were submitted by students from various counties and Baltimore City. Chief Judge Barbera, who has a background as an early-education teacher in Baltimore City public schools, congratulated each winner and discussed their artwork's message.
Students addressed themes such as peer mediation, apologizing, respecting differences, talking things out, solving problems together, listening, tolerance, diversity, inclusion, building peace, respecting one another, consideration for others, and other non-violent alternatives. A total of $775 was awarded to 11 winners in first through third places.
Winners were announced in three categories: Grades K-2 saw Isabella L. Taborda from St. Elizabeth Catholic School taking first place; Grades 3-5 had Vivian Custer from Kennard Elementary School as the top winner; and Cora Moore from Hyattsville Middle School won first place in Grades 6-8.
Honorable mentions included students from several schools who contributed noteworthy entries.