District leads the state in participation with more than 1,000 entries — QACPS Media Specialists featured in Maryland Judiciary’s 20th anniversary video linked here.
ANNAPOLIS / QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY, MD — Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) students were recently recognized at the state level during the 20th Annual Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest, hosted by the Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO), marking two decades of this statewide educational and arts initiative for students in grades K–8.
This milestone year saw record-breaking participation across Maryland, with more than 4,100 entries submitted statewide from public and private schools. QACPS led the state by a wide margin, submitting well over 1,000 student entries — the most of any district in Maryland — a testament to the strength, consistency, and reach of the district’s School Library Media programs.
As part of the statewide recognition, two QACPS students earned top honors:
Grades K–2
Honorable Mention: Kenleigh Dorsey, Grade 2
Kent Island Elementary School
Media Specialist: Danielle Lowe
Grades 3–5
First Place Winner: Adelaine Gray, Grade 5
Kennard Elementary School
Media Specialist: Heather Gray
The annual contest invites students to create original bookmark designs that explore peaceful alternatives to conflict, emphasizing themes such as empathy, respect, kindness, inclusion, cooperation, and understanding others’ perspectives. Winning artwork is celebrated during a formal awards ceremony attended by Maryland judges, educators, students, and families.
This year’s 20th anniversary celebration included a statewide awards ceremony and special commemorative programming, featuring student reflections and conversations with members of the Maryland Judiciary. A special anniversary video recap, produced by Nicholas Cavey, Public Information Officer for MACRO, highlighted the enduring impact of the contest and included interviews with QACPS Media Specialists Danielle Lowe (Kent Island Elementary) and Sharon Murdoch (Bayside Elementary), spotlighting how the program has taken root in Queen Anne’s County schools and become a sustained part of school culture.
In addition, QACPS families and educators are encouraged to view the QACPS awards ceremony video, which includes a meaningful presentation midway through the program recognizing the depth of student participation and the role of School Library Media Specialists in sustaining this work.
“This contest has truly been a game-changer for our Media Specialists and has grown into an annual movement within our schools,” said Michael Bell, Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts and School Library Media for QACPS. “It blends literacy, social-emotional learning, the arts, and student voice in a way that is both powerful and authentic. During my tenure, we’ve had state-level winners every year — and this year, more student entries than ever before. That doesn’t happen by accident. It speaks to the dedication of our Media Specialists, the principals who have supported their efforts, and the way this work has helped transform our school communities. Congratulations to our outstanding student artists and Media Specialists!”
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools has consistently earned state recognition year after year in the Conflict Resolution Bookmark Art Contest, with students frequently earning top awards and honorable mentions — often with more entries than any other Maryland district. The contest has become a cornerstone of the district’s approach to arts integration, conflict resolution education, digital citizenship, and student-centered learning within School Library Media programs.