Indian Hill High School students selected for Regional Youth Leadership experience

IHHS juniors Amitesh Verma and Will Ford

They use the community as their classroom, and this school year two Indian Hill High School (IHHS) students are a part of the experiential learning experience. IHHS juniors Amitesh Verma and Will Ford are exploring careers and social issues as part of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Regional Youth Leadership (RYL) program.

“The program has gifted me with a diverse family of like-minded individuals around the Cincinnati area,” said IHHS junior Amitesh Verma. “With a motivational and favorable alumni base, the program has provided me with a multitude of tools and resources to bring back to my own community.

“For example, during the health session at the St. Elizabeth Hospital, a presentation on the reality of e-cigarette prevalence in the United States introduced knowledge almost unthinkable. I learned there are 15,000 flavors of Juul. Any flavor that could be thought of — whether it be cucumber, gummy bear, or even crème brûlée — there is a Juul pod for it. As a leader and founder of Indian Hill High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions club, I work with the prevention side of the vaping usage. The presentation shown to me at Regional Youth Leadership’s health session was an eye-opening experience for me that inspires me even more to work towards the cause.”

The RYL program uses collaboration with local business and civic leaders as well as individual schools to enhance the educational experience and complement academic classroom learning. The seven-month program begins with orientation in August and concludes with a graduation celebration in March. Sessions occur monthly during the school day at which time participants are introduced to industries, organizations, career opportunities, and the multitude of amazing things that exist within this region. Topics of exploration include: arts and culture, criminal justice, diversity, health, law, life success skills, and local government and economic development.

“My favorite activity thus far was the health session, during which we explored various healthcare career opportunities, discussed the economic factors that affect the provision of healthcare, and analyzed trends in the healthcare field,” said IHHS junior Will Ford. “We also participated in several hands-on activities, including a labor and delivery simulation and a trauma simulation focused on the experience of a physician in an emergency room setting. During this session, we learned the basics of triage and received CPR training and certification. This session affirmed my interest in pursuing medicine and also introduced me to various volunteer opportunities that I can pursue to learn more about the field before entering college.  

“Without a doubt, I would certainly encourage other students to apply to RYL. The incredible opportunities that this program affords to cultivate new skills while also learning about new fields, making key contacts within the community, and developing lasting friendships are unparalleled.” 

Photo caption: Indian Hill High School juniors Amitesh Verma and Will Ford were selected to participate in the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Regional Youth Leadership program.