By Pat Doody
Student entrepreneur joins EDC
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Entrepreneurs Julian Romero and Andres Pena of Superbia in the robotics lab.
At the end of last year, the Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council (GTEDC) added a student representative to their board. Andres Pena was chosen to fill that position. Pena and his friend and business partner Julian Romero spearheaded the formation of an entrepreneurial club at Tehachapi High School. Pena said that with the help of their faculty adviser Ms. Guadalupe, they hope to make the group self-sufficient before they graduate in June.
Pena and Romero started their business last year along with fellow students Adam Hansen and Odin Dailo. They are crafting beautiful hardwood rings accented with colored epoxy and arrowhead necklaces. They named their business Superbia, which means "pride" in latin. Superbia jewelry is currently available at the Tehachapi Treasure Trove on Tehachapi Blvd.
On to robotics
Both of these multi-faceted students are also a part of this year's Tehachapi High School robotics team. Julian Romero is vice president in charge of the robot. Andres Pena says he is just a worker but he will be making part of the oral presentation at competitions. Romero is following in the footsteps of his sister, Angelica, who was president of the robotics team two years ago and is now studying Engineering at Cal Poly. Julian hopes to attend there as well next year. Pena said he plans to attend the Air Force Academy and study "Mechatronics." The THS First Robotics Team 585 is made up of 20 members who are preparing for upcoming competitions in Las Vegas, Del Mar, Fresno and, hopefully, Houston. The Chairman's Team will be responsible for doing the speeches. Team 585 won the Chairman's Award last year which secured their trip to Houston.
Robot unveiling Feb. 23
First Robotics Team 585 will be unveiling this year's robot at their annual Chili Cook-off on Feb. 23 from noon to 3 p.m. in the THS Cafeteria. This year there will be two chili competitions, one for parents and the other a competition between local restaurants. Add to that their usual fantastic silent auction and it is an event that is not to be missed. Tickets will be $8 at the door. To enter chili or for more information contact frc585_chilicookoff@googlegroups.com.
