Hundreds of middle school students will take part in a summit today which aims to inspire and encourage them on the path to success.Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith said the event would give 513 male and 531 female students the chance to hear from community leaders in realms such as sports, business, music, art, religion and politics.Students will travel to two venues Bermuda College and Warwick Camp for the day long retreat.They will not only listen to a series of life presentations teaching them to dream big and reach for their goals, they will also take part in sporting, fashion and dance activities throughout the day.The event, entitled ‘Walk it Out’, will conclude with them making a personal comittment to lead productive lives, said Dame Jennifer.Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, she said research has shown this age group was at a “crucial point when young people make decisions on the direction they will take with their life”.She said it was the Ministry’s aim to develop students into “well rounded and community-minded” individuals and suggested that the programme might also tackle some of the challenges affecting the Island’s youth.“This really is a period where we lose students. Some of them drop out and we are trying to make sure they understand there are people who are watching them who have been where they are now and who came through it successfullly. And even if there is a mistake or a stumble you can still be successful. No one got where they are by just smooth sailing.”People from a wide cross section of the community including executive director of The Family Centre, Martha Dismont, entertainer and comedian Nadanja Bailey and award-winning school counsellor Anthony Peets have been invited to attend.They will be sharing “in an uplifting and inspiring day”, said Dame Jennifer, adding that young people also have an opportunity to make new friends before going on to high school.Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert will also be taking part in tomorrow’s summit and has donated wrist bands for the young people.He praised the initiative and said: “Too many times we hear about a lot of negativity with a lot of our young people but there are a lot of positive things our young people are doing and I would like to emphasise that a lot more.“Hopefully this initiative will bring that more to the fore front by having people from all different businesses across the Island speak about things through experience so they can develop similar goals and achieve those goals.”The event is an unbudgeted project and according to Dame Jennifer would not be possible without sponsors: Hunt’s Food & Supplies, Barritt’s, Dunkley’s, Pizza House, Marketplace, XL, GET Security, HOTT 107.5, Perry Footwear and Grandview Tent and Rentals.Useful website: www.gov.bm