History and Traditions
As the Alma Mater says, the "hope and pride" of South Miami Senior opened its doors to students for the first time on November 9th, 1971. The original student body selected the Cobra mascot and the school colors of orange, brown, and white. Today the Cobra mascot reigns from the third-story roof of Cobra Hall, greeting all who pass by "Cobra Country" on Miller Road. Since opening, South Miami has had eight principals: Dr. Warren G. Burchell, Ms. Judy Weiner, Mr. Thomas L. Shaw, Mr. Eugene Butler, Mr. Craig Speziale, Dr. Gilberto Bonce, Dr. Cadian Collman-Perez, and currently Mr. Hebert Penton. Dr. Burchell has been the longest-serving principal in South Miami Senior High history, serving 22 years, and establishing many great Cobra traditions that still run strong today. Mr Shaw brought with him a whole new era of curriculum and technological innovation and the school went from one magnet program to a full-fledged magnet school, the South Miami School of the Arts. Dr. Bonce oversaw the opening of a new building on the South Miami Senior High campus, adding new science labs and art studios. The second building was named Cobra Tower and the original was named Cobra Hall. During his tenure, Dr. Bonce was runner-up for Principal of the Year for the region in 2009. In 2012, Dr. Bonce led South Miami Senior High to rank in the top 5% in the state of Florida according to the US News and World Reports Best High Schools in the United States report and saw our school achieve an A grade status and recognition by US News and World Report as a Silver-rated high school. Dr. Collman-Perez took the helm of the school during some of the most difficult times the school ever faced, leading the school during the COVID pandemic. Mr. Penton now leads South Miami Senior through the "changes and challenges" mentioned in the school song. South Miami Senior High ranks as a top Cambridge AICE school and through Mr. Penton's leadership, greatness lies ahead for South Miami Senior High.
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