Kamloops Steminists taking Recycled Sounds international

Oct 17, 2018 | 11:23 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Steminists will be showcasing their work on a global scale next month.

The Steminists are a group of 15 and 16 year old students from South Kamloops Secondary School, who have taken their interest in technology to the business scene.

WATCH: The Steminists show how their Recycled Sounds speaker works (Video Credit: JABC)

After selling 110 of the eco-friendly, recycled wood speakers last year, and earning $3000 for their post secondary eduction pursuits, the group behind Recycled Sounds is heading to Peru.

The smartphone-compatible speakers don’t require a power source to operate, and use the shape of the wood to naturally amplify the sound.

16-year-old Sarah Baughan, Vice President of Marketing for Recycled Sounds, says the group has been chosen by JA Canada to represent the country in the JA Americas Company of the Year Competition in Lima, Peru, on Nov. 25 to 28 of this year.

“We were all so shocked and excited. Lot of emotions.” Baughan says. “Definitely I’m feeling kind of a bit nervous for it, but at the same time I’m so excited to just go to a different place, talk with other people, show our product, it’s just a great opportunity.”

The trip comes with a cost however, and Baughan says they’ve got crowdfunding set up to ease their expenses before they leave.

“Right now we have a GoFundMe page, and we’re looking to raise about $9,000. Just to cover the costs from going from Kamloops to Vancouver, and any food expenses, vaccination expenses. Just to make the process as easy as possible.”

While the group isn’t totally sure what the future holds after graduation, Baughan says they do hope to keep the ball rolling for their company.

“Definitely, me and the President of Recycled Sounds, we are looking to continue this company even past the mentorship program.”