‘Sugar Engine’ wins People’s Choice at Toyota Dream Car Art Contest

A dream car powered by sweets and designed to spread happiness captured the public’s imagination, as Jihyo “Elena” Park of Grace Christian Academy won the People’s Choice Award at the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest awards ceremony held last March 28.

Park’s artwork, “The Sugar Engine,” received 103 of the 218 votes cast online, earning her school a $1,000 donation during the ceremony at the Atkins Kroll Toyota Saipan showroom in Puerto Rico.

Her concept envisions a vehicle powered by desserts that creates “sweet happiness” and shares treats with children in need of a smile, a message that resonated strongly with voters.

AK Toyota Saipan sales manager Kevin Barnes delivered remarks during the ceremony, while general manager Tracy Guerrero was also in attendance alongside students, families, and educators.

The annual contest, now on its 11th year locally, drew 334 entries from students ages 15 and below, including 129 from Saipan and 205 from Guam. Organizers said all winners from the three age categories have been submitted to Toyota’s World Contest, with results expected in July 2026.

The contest, themed “Draw Your Dream, Drive the Future,” encourages students to think boldly and creatively about mobility and how it can shape a better world. Organizers noted that millions of entries are submitted globally each year from about 90 countries, placing CNMI and Guam students on an international stage.

They also highlighted last year’s achievement by CNMI student Mei Li, who advanced to the world contest and earned a Best Finalist award in her category from among more than 665,000 entries worldwide.

Entries were evaluated by a panel of judges composed of Richard Ogumoro, Nestor Arreza, and Mark Rabago, who assessed each submission based on creativity, originality, and vision for a better future.

Among the youngest participants, Coden Sablan of Oleai Elementary School won gold in the under-7 category for “Eco-Guardian,” a monster truck protected by a robotic snake symbolizing nature’s role in safeguarding the planet, powered by clean energy and designed to protect people, animals, and the environment.

Ekaterina Mia Inos of Saipan Community School took silver with “Bloom Mobile,” a vehicle that plants seeds, waters them, and provides light to help life grow, while Jane Choi of Saipan International School earned bronze for “The Weather Control Car,” designed to change weather conditions to keep people and nature safe.

In the 8-11 category, Haryn Clover Cha of Grace Christian Academy won gold for “Flower Car,” inspired by Noah’s Ark and built to protect people and animals during disasters such as fires.

Seoyeon Kwon of Mount Carmel School received silver for a concept vehicle that transforms sadness into happiness by removing negative thoughts and bringing peace and hope, while Dohyeon You of Saipan International School placed third with a Toyota AI scanner and maintenance car capable of diagnosing and instantly repairing broken vehicles.

In the 12-15 division, Ian Alexander Chae of Marianas High School won gold for “Anti-Drug Cruiser,” a vehicle designed to detect signs of drug use and provide medical treatment, focusing on recovery and second chances to help rebuild lives and families.

Jiachen Zhuang of Agape Christian School earned silver for “Harvest Nova,” a vehicle aimed at helping rural communities grow and protect food supplies, while Melinda Han of Marianas High School took bronze with “Omni Voyager,” a trans-dimensional vehicle capable of navigating time, space, deep oceans, and outer space.

All winners received certificates and water park passes, and their artwork will be displayed at the showroom, as Barnes said the competition continues to promote creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking ideas among the region’s youth.