Eight Bermudian high school students will hone their leadership skills at an international development conference in Washington, D.C. next week.

The five-day forum is held annually by Lead America, a youth organisation which educates middle and high school students about leadership values, attitudes and skills.

This year will mark the first year for students from the Lead-Bermuda Leadership Club to participate in the conference.

And to help the students with their trip, Premier Ewart Brown, Investment Bermuda charity and the Ministry of Education and Development presented them with a cheque for $10,800.

Attending the conference from June 12 to 18 are eight students from CedarBridge Academy — Scott Kennedy, Neville Vanderpool, Sophie Thapa, Jasmine Whitehurst, Sanae Russell, Seannika Smith, Derek Musson and Zaid Simmons.

The forum called Lead America Leadership University will be held for five days on the campus of Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.

The 18-year-old organisation hosts this annual interactive forum for middle and high school students from all over the world to educate them about leadership values, attitudes and skills.

Past speakers for the conference have included US General Colin Powell and US Senator Hillary Clinton.

Investment Bermuda director Anthony Witherspoon, a consultant to the Ministry of Education, said: “Leadership is important to a student’s future success.

“It is key to what they do with their lives and how well they do it. By making a choice to learn vital leadership skills, students are making a commitment to becoming leaders in their communities....”

For more information you can contact Mr. Witherspoon at 799-1452 or e-mail him at investmentbermuda[AT]yahoo.com.