The “Step It Up” Middle School Summit kicked off yesterday with almost 500 of Bermuda's young people involved.Addressing the crowd at the National Stadium, Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith said Bermuda belongs to the Island's youth, but before they take ownership they must first prepare.“We hold this summit because we accept our responsibility as adults to encourage and assist you to do the difficult things you must do in order to achieve your goals,” Dame Jennifer said.“As adults, we cannot let you wimp out the first time you face adversity. We need to be there to catch you when you fall, dust you off, and encourage you to try again.”She said drugs and alcohol were two of the biggest obstacles facing Bermuda's youth, warning: “Marijuana is illegal and there are serious consequences to engaging in illegal activity.“In addition, employers don't want to hire people who use illegal drugs. No one does.”Dame Jennifer advised the young people to be responsible, to do what they promise to do, to be compassionate and engage in positive peer pressure.“Do not sell Bermuda short by engaging in violence, abusing drugs or alcohol, or by having no compassion for your fellow man.”Shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons said that while students will benefit from doing well in school, their success is vital for the community as a whole.“How well you do in school will determine Bermuda's future, because Bermuda needs skilled and well educated Bermudians to ensure a successful future,” he said.For more picture click here