Each year, the Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) hosts this special event for Maryland students in grades kindergarten to eighth. The contest allows for teachers, parents, and students to discuss ways to resolve conflicts peacefully using listening skills, being inclusive, working together, talking things out and respecting differences.
Winning students and their families will be invited to an awards ceremony in December.
Grade Levels and Judging Criteria:
Art will be judged in three categories: kindergarten through second grade; third through fifth grade; and sixth through eighth grade. Students who are homeschooled or are doing online learning are welcome to participate. Submissions will be judged on creativity, graphic presentation, and message.
Prizes:
The following prizes will be awarded for each grade category:
- 1st Place: Winner will receive $100.00
- 2nd Place: Winner will receive $75.00
- 3rd Place: Winner will receive $50.00
A select number of winning entries will be printed as bookmarks and used to promote conflict resolution across Maryland. Winners whose bookmarks are selected for printing will receive complimentary copies of their own printed entry.
Theme:
Subject matter should reflect a conflict resolution or prevention theme, such as peer mediation, talking things out, apologizing, respecting differences, diversity, inclusion, solving problems together, listening, peacebuilding, or alternatives to violence. To see images of past winners, visit this page.
Deadline:
All submissions must be postmarked or received by Thursday, November 4.
Entries should be mailed to: MACRO, Attn: Cheryl Jackson, 187 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401.
Contact:
Please email bookmarkcontest [at] mdcourts [dot] gov or call 410-260-3540 with questions.