The Maryland Judiciary's Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) hosted its 17th annual bookmark art contest, announcing ten student winners and fifteen honorable mentions. The contest invited students from across Maryland to create bookmarks themed around peaceful conflict resolution. Winners from kindergarten through eighth grade were celebrated at an awards ceremony attended by students, parents, and Court of Appeals of Maryland Chief Judge Matthew J. Fader.
Chief Judge Fader expressed his enthusiasm for the event: "It is my first time hosting this wonderful event as chief judge and it is an honor and a privilege to meet the students and their families to congratulate them on their award-winning artwork." He praised the creativity displayed in the entries, highlighting their role in educating about peace-making.
This year, MACRO received 3,115 submissions from 54 schools statewide. Winning entries came from various counties including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, and St. Mary’s. Students explored themes such as resolving conflicts peacefully, respecting differences, and promoting inclusion.
Cash prizes totaling $725 were distributed among the top ten winners across three categories: Grades K-2; Grades 3-5; and Grades 6-8. In addition to the winners announced by Chief Judge Fader, several students received honorable mentions for their work.