Sparks continue to fly with new induction class

e Big Bend Omega Lamplighters introduced their seventh induction class on August 20 in the renovated Florida A&M University Grand Ballroom. The class “ A Botherhood” is pictured above. Photo special tot he Outlook

By Akilah Smith

Special to the Outlook
The Big Bend Omega Lamplighters introduced their seventh induction class on Aug 20. Twenty-nine young scholars, in the renovated Florida A&M University Grand Ball-room, were inducted in the ceremony to a crowd more than  350 people.
The Omega Lamplighters’ mission is to culti-vate academic excellence, community service, and brotherhood to young men between the ages of 12-18. There are several require-ments to be a part of this prestigious organization. An inductee would have to have a 2.5 GPA minimum, three letters of recommen-dation, and a written essay. The Omega Lamplighters offer their organizations to all young men in Tallahas-see and surrounding areas.
Dillon A. Craig is a new addition to the Ome-ga Lamplighters this year from Crestview, Florida. Craig is currently a junior at Niceville High School and is raised in a single parent home without a male role model…Crestview is about a two hour drive from Tallahassee. The Omega Lamplighters is a mentor-ing program that will be the building blocks in Dillion Craig’s life.
“I think this is a wonderful opportunity to be men-tored by African American men since I am the only male in my house, said Dillon A.Craig. My mom has taught me a great deal; however I know there is only so much she can teach me being a female and sin-ing into manhood, so it’s beneficial to have a mentoring program that will teach you everything you may not learn in the home.
Craig’s mother, Jill Barfield, always looks for ways to challenge her son. She felt that the Omega Lamplighters would help further develop those life skills and help him become a well-rounded individual.
“Dillon is an exceptional child, and as he moves into manhood I felt that he could benefit from having strong, intelligent, and motivated African American men in his life, she said. My parents exposed me and my siblings and I am carrying on that tradition with my own children.”
Royle King II is the founder of the Omega Lamplighters which was established in 2008. King embodies leadership for these young gentlemen, and wants to leave a legacy for the young men to follow.
“It’s my hope that they become productive citizens that contribute to society. Grow up and become good men, good fathers, hus-bands, and give back to the community,” said Royle King.
This is exactly what the program is doing.
“This program has given me the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and really set a path for my life. I’m just getting inducted and I’ve already traveled to several State Capitals and came out of my shell. I’m thankful for this opportunity and I just want to make my family and the organi-zation proud “said Wreylon Moye, a freshman at Gads-den High School.
To find out more or get involved with the Omega Lamplighters visit http://www.omegalamplighters. org. To find out more or get involved with the Omega Lamplighters visit http://www.omegalamplighters. org The Omega Lamplighters organization is a young men’s mentoring program birthed in Tallahassee Florida in 2008. The Ome-ga Lamplighters are spon-sored by the Chi Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and the Chi Omega Social Action Scholarship Foundation Inc. To find out more or get involved with the Omega Lamplighters visit http://www.omegalamplighters. org