Chief Judge Honors Young Artists for Peace

Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Maryland Court of Appeals congratulated students who have used their artistic talents to promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The young artists gathered with their families, friends, and supporters on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, in the Judiciary Education and Conference Center (JECC) in Annapolis to be honored as winners of the Maryland Judiciary’s Conflict Resolution Day Student Bookmark Art Contest.

The popular contest, now in its 10th year, received almost 2,000 entries from Maryland children in kindergarten through the 8th grade. The artwork was unveiled at the reception. Chief Judge Barbera met with the winners and presented awards.

The best 1,000 entries are on display at the Judiciary Education and Conference Center, 2011 Commerce Park Drive, Annapolis. The artwork reflects the theme of resolving or preventing conflict, including peer mediation, talking things out, apologizing, respecting differences, solving problems together, listening, tolerance, building peace, or other alternatives to violence.

The contest was sponsored by the Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO). Prizes were awarded for first, second, and third place in three age groups: kindergarten-second grade; third-fifth grade; and sixth-eighth grade. The prize for each age group is: $75 for first place; $50 for second place; and $25 for third place. In addition to the prizes, three to five entries will be printed as bookmarks to promote conflict resolution across Maryland.