Avery Boarman, a second grade student at Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School, recently placed in the Maryland Judiciary’s 17th annual Conflict Resolution Day bookmark art contest. Maryland’s Judiciary's Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) opens the contest to Maryland students in kindergarten through eighth grade. This year, the contest garnered 3,115 entries from 54 schools. Students who place first, second and third receive cash prizes.
Boarman took second place in the kindergarten through second grade category with her design featuring “I am Kind” in green lettering surrounded by red hearts and a drawing of a girl. Boarman said she was inspired by thoughts of being kind and how she tries to be kind to others. “When I’m kind to other people, they are kind to me,” she said. Boarman said kindness is expressed by sharing and being polite and respectful.
At Mitchell, Boarman enjoys art, physical education and music classes. When she’s at home, she likes playing soccer, basketball and video games with her siblings.
For more than 15 years, the Maryland Judiciary has sponsored the bookmark contest asking students to create bookmarks on the theme of preventing or resolving conflicts peacefully. The bookmarks focus on themes of resolving or preventing conflicts, apologizing, respecting differences, talking things out, solving problems together, listening, tolerance, diversity, inclusion, building peace, respecting one another, consideration for others, and alternatives to violence.
“It is inspiring to see the students’ thoughtfulness and creativity as they displayed the conflict resolution theme through their own eyes in this creative way to educate adults and children alike about peace-making and positive alternatives to violence,” Matthew J. Fader, Court of Appeals of Maryland Chief Judge, said.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,000 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).