August 2, 2021
Growing up in Sunland Park, New Mexico, David Zubia was interested in all things mechanical. He was attentive and asked questions of family and neighbors as they worked on their projects. His curiosity led to challenges and accomplishments.
In middle school, Zubia parlayed his interest in computers and high-fidelity sound into a 10-speed bicycle with a working car stereo complete with cassette player powered by eight D batteries. He also built the rack to hold it. When he was 14, he bought a junked car for $200 and rigged his own hoist with railroad ties and a car jack to remove the engine, which he refurbished while a freshman at Gadsden High School (GHS) in Anthony, New Mexico.