Large crowd witnesses Omega Lamplighters induction ceremony

Special to the Outlook

A crowd of 600 witnessed the Omega Lamplighters, Inc. 13th induction ceremony from the stands at Gaither Gym on FAMU’s campus and from home online on Saturday.

With the support of the Children’s Services Council this year, the program worked with over 80 youth as a part of their youth leadership academy held every summer. During the Saturday afternoon event, the newest class of Leaders In Training (LIT), worked with third-fifth graders and showcased four elementary-age young ladies as Lamplighter Princesses. There was also a short performance from the Future Lamplighters pre-k – second graders.

All of the young people spent the summer learning age-appropriate life skills, the art of step and had some fun along the way. While only LIT is a permanent new edition, the program is still excited about the opportunity to start reaching youths.  

 Since the beginning, the program has had a strong focus on high school age youth inducting its 13th class of Omega Lamplighters into the program and fifth class of young men in grades sixth – eight through the Omega Junior Lamplighters. 

 The Omega Lamplighters program now serves male youth in third – 12th grade and believes in “turning good young men to great young men.” The program teaches life skills, college and career preparedness and has a focus on the arts and mentoring.

The Induction Ceremony highlighted the conclusion of the three-month summer leadership academy that aspiring new members have to complete before being accepted into the program. The ceremony featured step performances from the Omega Lamplighters induction class as well as the Omega Junior Lamplighters (sixth – eighth grade) and a surprise performance from the program’s new elementary program LIT. 

Young men in the classes participated in professional development sessions, leadership trainings, mental health trainings, gentlemen etiquette courses and public speaking training and other life skill activities. At the conclusion of the summer, the achievements of the classes are celebrated during the annual induction ceremony.  

Since 2008 the program has impacted 1,000-plus youths. Twenty-six high school seniors graduated this year and are going to college, trade school, the military or a career workforce training program. They were recognized during the program.  

 The event was also a fundraiser to support the Omega Lamplighters young men’s mentoring program.