ANNAPOLIS — Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) continues its winning tradition at the Maryland Judiciary’s 19th Annual Statewide Conflict Resolution Bookmark Art Contest. This year, QACPS students shined once again, taking home 11 awards across five different QACPS elementary schools in two separate age categories, K–2 and 3–5.
To view a video of QACPS award winners at the 19th Annual Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest Awards Ceremony, please visit: https://youtu.be/k0pxO7Kl1ok
Cheryl Jackson, Coordinator of ADR Media for the Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office at the Administrative Office of the Courts, shared, “This year’s contest received an incredible 4,102 entries from students across the state.” The largest number of submissions came from QACPS, demonstrating the commitment of its educators and students to this meaningful initiative.
QACPS Media Specialists joined their statewide award winners in Annapolis to celebrate their achievements. Honorable Chief Judge Matthew J. Fader, Supreme Court of Maryland, along with his esteemed colleagues from the Eastern Shore and Harford County congratulated the students and interviewed them to learn more about the story behind their bookmarks. Families, teachers, and administrators gathered to applaud this year’s winners, who made history with their inspiring designs promoting conflict resolution.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Patty Saelens, praised the students, saying, “Each year, our students and staff amaze me with their creativity and thoughtfulness in promoting kindness and understanding through this contest. This year’s participation and achievements are a testament to the incredible talent and dedication in our schools.”
Michael Bell, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts, celebrated the accomplishments, saying, “Year after year, our Media Specialists inspire students to create meaningful artwork that promotes critical skills like listening, inclusion, and teamwork. These lessons go far beyond the contest—they shape the way our students approach challenges in their everyday lives. Congratulations to all of our winners and students who participated, along with a huge thank-you to the Media Specialists who make this possible! They are truly innovators in our district.”
This year’s QACPS winners include:
K–2 Category
- Noah Edelen, Grade 1, 1st Place, Kent Island Elementary School (Media Specialist: Danielle Lowe)
- Aubree Cheslosky, Grade 2, 3rd Place, Sudlersville Elementary School (Media Specialist: Jennifer Henry)
- Tenley Cahall, Grade 2, Honorable Mention, Centreville Elementary School (Media Specialist: Emily Wade)
- Lennon Stone, Kindergarten, Honorable Mention, Kent Island Elementary School (Media Specialist: Danielle Lowe)
- Melanie Mattias, Grade 2, Honorable Mention, Kent Island Elementary School (Media Specialist: Danielle Lowe)
- Ella Reagan, Grade 2, Honorable Mention, Kent Island Elementary School (Media Specialist: Danielle Lowe)
- Adriana McKee, Grade 2, Honorable Mention, Grasonville Elementary School (Media Specialist: Katelyn Giardini)
3–5 Category
- Presley Mourlas, Grade 5, 1st Place, Grasonville Elementary School (Media Specialist: Katelyn Giardini)
- Cayden Elliott, Grade 3, Honorable Mention, Sudlersville Elementary School (Media Specialist: Jennifer Henry)
- Gabriella Bishop, Grade 4, Honorable Mention, Bayside Elementary School (Media Specialist: Sharon Murdoch)
- Mary Courtemanche, Grade 5, Honorable Mention, Bayside Elementary School (Media Specialist: Sharon Murdoch)
This contest provides a platform for students to express their creativity while learning vital conflict resolution skills, such as listening, collaboration, and inclusivity. The winning bookmarks were displayed at the Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office, with entries reflecting powerful messages of kindness and understanding.
To read more about this annual statewide contest visit: https://www.courts.state.md.us/macro/eventsconflictresolutionday