ANNAPOLIS, MD – A student from Charles County has been recognized for their artistic achievement in the 19th Annual Bookmark Art Contest, hosted by the Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO). This statewide contest celebrates young artists from kindergarten through eighth grade who creatively promote themes of conflict resolution.
Jayden Achoh, a fourth-grader at Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School in Charles County, tied for third place in the Grades 3-5 category. His entry, along with others from across Maryland, depicted thoughtful approaches to resolving conflicts peacefully.
Statewide Participation and Recognition
Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader of the Supreme Court of Maryland, along with Justices Brynja M. Booth and Angela M. Eaves, celebrated the winners during a special awards ceremony. Students, teachers, and parents gathered to honor the young artists and their messages of peaceful conflict resolution.
“Celebrating and congratulating these talented students on their award-winning artwork is always an honor,” said Chief Justice Fader. “Their thoughtful and creative approaches to highlight the theme of conflict resolution are truly inspiring, educating both young and old on the importance of peaceful alternatives to violence.”
This year, MACRO received 3,408 bookmark submissions from 36 public schools and three private schools across the state. Winning entries hailed from counties including Anne Arundel, Charles, Frederick, and Queen Anne’s.
Art with a Message
The contest entries illustrated various methods for resolving or preventing conflict, such as apologizing, respecting differences, listening, working together, and promoting inclusion and diversity. Students demonstrated how these practices contribute to building peace and fostering understanding among individuals and communities.
Jayden Achoh’s award-winning bookmark was a standout among the submissions for Grades 3-5, reflecting his unique vision and understanding of conflict resolution.
Other Winners
In addition to Achoh, the Grades 3-5 category included:
- First Place: Presley Mourlas, Grasonville Elementary (Grade 5)
- Second Place: Jake Franco Fava, Severna Park Elementary (Grade 3)
- Third Place (Tie): Lily Cottle, Shipley’s Choice Elementary (Grade 5)
Honorable mentions went to students from Bayside Elementary, Sudlersville Elementary, Ardmore Elementary, and Shady Spring Elementary.
A Statewide Celebration of Creativity
The contest also recognized winners in Grades K-2 and Grades 6-8. First-place winners included Noah Edelen (Kent Island Elementary, Grade 1) and Kourtney Sigouin (Urbana Middle, Grade 8).
The annual Bookmark Art Contest is part of Maryland’s Conflict Resolution Day celebrations. The initiative highlights the importance of teaching young people about peaceful conflict resolution and fostering understanding through creative expression.
For More Information
To learn more about the Annual Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest and view the winning entries, visit www.mdcourts.gov/macro/eventsconflictresolutionday.
