Day one of the Michael Johnson Foundation’s Youth Empowerment Summit got off to a great start on Thursday at Wallace Community College-Selma.

Seniors from Selma High, Southside High, Keith High, Dallas County High, Ellwood Christian Academy and Meadowview Christian School all filled one side of WCCS Gymnasium to hear Johnson, a former Dallas County High School standout and a nine-year NFL veteran with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Johnson, who slowly entered into the gymnasium on crutches, addressed the enthusiastic crowd. The event is part of the MJ 93/90 Foundation, which his mother Thomasene Johnson, helps Johnson run.

“I appreciate everyone for coming out,” Johnson said. “Unlock your mind. You have limitless potential. Be the best person you can be. Learn from this experience and be a better person before you came here today. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.”

Several students enjoyed the experience on the first day, using the event as preparing for college.

“The summit gives us kids an opportunity to get a better look for colleges,” Selma’s Nathaniel Acoff said.

“I’m getting exposure to things before I go to college and get prepared for the real world,” Southside’s Haisia Perry said.

Ledell Jackson of Keith said he saw the summit as a way to gain knowledge from a successful professional.

“It depends on what you want to do whether its attending college or attending trade school,” Jackson said. “You can be successful without selling drugs.”

ECA’s Gary Crum and Dillon Lewis of MCS just enjoyed the experience.

“I came here to learn and explore like the other seniors,” Crum said.

“It’s real cool to be here,” Lewis said.

Olivia Martin of Dallas County said she envisions a bigger goal from the summit.

“It’s a great opportunity for colleges to come in and give us scholarships,” Martin said.

The event concludes Friday with the Shark Tank Competition and a Social Justice Panel, starting at 8:30 a.m. at WCCS.