Franklin S. Palacios and Soo Seon Jeong

For their Census 2000 poster, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands chose artwork by two students from Marianas High School's award-winning art club, Ali'i Creations. In Passage to the New World, Franklin S. Palacios and Soo Seon Jeong blend many things unique to the Northern Mariana Islands, including indigenous flowers, the Carolinian canoe and the Latte Stone. The Carolinian Canoe is a tribute to the Carolinian people who are known for their navigational skills. The Latte Stone represents the Chamoro people who carve these stones to use as supporting beams for their homes. Both artists are in their senior year at high school. After graduation, Soo Seon Jeong wants to travel to Korea and Japan and learn about the ancient artists. Frank Palacios plans to continue his art studies in college and hopes to develop his own unique style. Their artwork was awarded the Governor's Choice Award in 1999.