Annapolis, Md. — Four students from Charles County Public Schools earned honors in the Maryland Judiciary’s 20th annual Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest, highlighting themes of peaceful conflict resolution through their artwork during a ceremony on December 15, 2025.
The event, organized by the Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office, or MACRO, drew 4,143 entries from kindergarten through eighth-grade students across 54 public schools, three private schools and one art studio in eight counties, including Charles. This marked an increase of 722 submissions compared to 2024. Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader, Justice Brynja M. Booth, retired Court of Appeals Chief Judge Joseph M. Getty and District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey presented awards and discussed the entries’ messages with participants.
“I congratulate the winning students, and all the students who participated, for their time and talent shared through the annual bookmark art contest,” said Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader. “I also congratulate MACRO on this important milestone, which illustrates the value of the lessons learned by the students during the process. I love talking to the students and hearing them explain the thought process behind their amazing bookmarks. Their creativity and thoughtfulness are truly inspiring, as they educate both young and old on the importance of peaceful alternatives to violence.”
Among the honorees from Southern Maryland, Korinne Bonifacio, a fourth-grader at William B. Wade Elementary School in Waldorf, secured second place in the grades three through five category. In the same division, Cora Williams, a fifth-grader at Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School in La Plata, and Wyatt Louis B. Catli, a third-grader at William B. Wade Elementary, each received honorable mentions. Prinsha Subedi, a second-grader at William B. Wade Elementary, earned an honorable mention in the kindergarten through second-grade group.
The bookmarks depicted actions such as apologizing, respecting differences, talking things out, working together, listening, promoting tolerance, diversity and inclusion, building peace, understanding others’ viewpoints, considering varied abilities and showing kindness as alternatives to violence. While specific descriptions of individual artworks were not detailed in the announcement, the entries collectively emphasized these concepts to foster awareness among young creators and users.
Conflict resolution education aligns with these efforts, as Maryland has supported such initiatives through programs like the Schools Conflict Resolution Grants Program, which funds training in problem-solving, anger management and life skills to promote safe school environments. In Charles County, community resources such as the Charles County Community Mediation Center provide neutral spaces for dialogue and advance peace-building, complementing school-based activities.
Southern Maryland schools have shown consistent participation in the contest. In 2024, Jayden Achoh, a fourth-grader at Walter J. Mitchell Elementary, tied for third place in the grades three through five category, illustrating ongoing engagement from the region. A second-grader from the same school placed in the 2023 contest, part of the 17th annual event.
MACRO, established within the Maryland Judiciary, promotes alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation in courts, communities and schools to resolve conflicts efficiently and amicably. The bookmark contest, launched in 2005 with fewer than 40 entries, has expanded to thousands annually, distributing winning designs as educational tools statewide. Participants learn to express ideas visually while internalizing messages about nonviolent solutions, skills applicable in daily interactions.
The ceremony included a reception for students, teachers and parents, where judges engaged directly with creators about their inspirations. Winning entries are available for viewing, along with an anniversary video, at the judiciary’s dedicated page.