The Maryland Judiciary announces its 18th Annual Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark  Art Contest

Each year, the Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) hosts an extraordinary event for Maryland students in grades kindergarten to eighth. The annual bookmark 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 participating in 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 become printed bookmarks and used to promote conflict resolution across Maryland. Winners whose bookmarks are selected for printing will receive complimentary copies of their own entry.

To Enter: Please go to our website for complete details here. See also the Entry Form. 
Download this template: 2023 Bookmark Template (.docx).

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, and other alternatives to violence. To see images of past winners, visit the bookmark contest archive page here.

Deadline: All submissions must be postmarked by Thursday, October 19, 2023. 

Entries should be mailed to: MACRO, Attn: Cheryl Jackson, 187 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Please email Cheryl Jackson at bookmarkcontest@mdcourts.gov or call 410-260-3540 with any questions.