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History of the
Last revised on January 5, 2010
THE MARCHING COBRAS,
In 1969 the Kansas City Missouri Board of Education hired Mr. Willie Arthur Smith as a teacher of 7th and 8th grade social studies at Lincoln Academy South. Undoubtedly, they had no idea they were hiring the man who would become
A graduate of the University of Arkansas with a BS in Social Studies and newly arrived in Kansas City from Prescott, Arkansas, his home town. Mr. Smith began his teaching duties at Lincoln Junior and quickly proved himself to be a man of unusual vision. In an interview broadcast on national television, Willie Arthur Smith, Founder, Director and Drillmaster of the “When I first came to
The name is certainly appropriate considering the lightening speed of their maneuvers and “Most people think they’re going to see a left-right-left marching drill, but the COBRAS are all Watching a COBRA performance is an eyeful. Even Willie Smith has difficulty trying to verbally describe what they do. Reporters stretch both their imaginations and their vocabularies “Fans were treated to one of the liveliest, sharpest, most exciting half-time shows that The COBRAS are made up of 150 elementary, junior and senior high school students from all over the greater
The influence on the youth of the community is far greater than just the COBRA members themselves. The children of the neighborhood can be seen imitating COBRA STEPS and it is apparent that the eligibility standards for personal conduct and educational achievement are also being simulated as a result of the COBRAS’ popularity and success. Neighborhood children aren’t the only ones imitating the COBRAS. The “Cobra Book” is popping up all over as other groups seek to cash in on the audience appeal that has resulted in more invitations The COBRAS have won over 280 first place awards and trophies in competition and their List of special performances reads like that of a professional group. They’ve starred in several television commercials and other media advertising campaigns, have been invited to perform Twice for the President of the United States, and have done a TV pilot show in Hollywood with all expenses paid for their efforts. But like most success stories, it hasn’t happened overnight. They started practicing in all kinds of weather in Willie Smith’s front yard and walked five miles to their first “public” performance. Adult volunteers attracted to the glamour of the popular group have come and gone, sometimes causing (as adults are so much more prone to do than children) more trouble than they were worth. Willie Smith has remained the heart and soul of the COBRAS throughout its 34 year history, building the organization with “blood, sweat, and tears” and every penny he could spare from the meager salary of a teacher. While the last few years have been kinder, only a man of true dedication whose chief concern was “his kids” could have stuck it out through so many lean years. He freely admits that he loves performing; being what he calls “out front”. And, he certainly enjoys the success of the COBRAS. He’s a “public figure” whose accomplishments are seen by many as an outstanding example of commitment to youth. Although personally the recipient of numerous public service awards, Willie gives the credit for all it to God.
Over the past 17 years the COBRAS have been sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City and thanks to a special grant from the
This is an anxious time. On March 27, 2003, Founder Willie Smith and the COBRAS Board of Directors made a decision and decided it was time for us to spread our wings, step out on faith and stand on our own, something that Willie Smith has had on his heart to do for some time and wants to successfully fulfill this dream. We are excited about our decision and we will continue to deliver the most spectacular performance you’ve ever seen in your life!
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