Calvin Huxel of Conner High School and Hayden Zollinger of Ignite Institute/Ryle High School are among 44 students selected for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce's Regional Youth Leadership Class of 2027, the chamber announced Aug. 6.

Both students attend school in Union and will spend seven months in monthly sessions covering local government, economic development, arts and culture, health, law and life skills. They were chosen from 34 schools across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky after an application process that required a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrated leadership in school or community activities.

The program is in its 33rd year.

"Regional Youth Leadership offers high school students a valuable chance to learn from local leaders who are making a real difference and get immersed in multiple topics that are important to our region," said Ann Marie Whelan, the chamber's director of leadership, in the announcement reported by the NKY Tribune.

Zollinger's listing as Ignite Institute/Ryle High School indicates a connection to Boone County's magnet STEM program housed at the Ignite Institute campus.

The program has deep local roots. At a Florence City Council meeting on March 10, Finance Director Jason Lewis told colleagues he participated in the Regional Youth Leadership class of 2010 and credited it as an important step in launching his professional career. Mayor Julie Aubuchon added that her son had gone through the program and greatly enjoyed the experience. NKY Chamber President and CEO Brent Cooper encouraged officials at that meeting to promote the program and urge local sophomores to apply.

As we reported July 26, six Boone County professionals were named to the chamber's separate adult Leadership NKY class. The youth program targets high schoolers specifically.

Families can find more information about the program at the chamber's website, nkychamber.com/leadership. The program's fall sessions begin shortly after the school year starts.