ASSOCIATION
HISTORY
The Marching Elites Drill Team was established in 1994 as an outgrowth of the Hampton "Golden "Elites, (founded in 1989) and the Machen Elementary School Drill Team *established in 1991). The Hampton Golden Elites, , Hampton, Virginia, were the first middle-high school (deaf and blind) drill team to win a National Championship at a Drill Meet in Florida competing against non-disabled children.
Mission
The mission of the "Marching Elites" is to develop and enhance the leadership skills of school age children using military style training and a variety of marching proficiency skills, to heighten and nurture the self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-discipline of our members, composed of the community's able and disabled school school aged children.
Our goal is to develop and promote the talents of these youngsters through an intensive, comprehensive and practical application of military and para-military training methods, basic and advanced individual/team drill tactics, and special drill movements.
This comprehensive, creative, performance-based program provides each participant with a positive alternative to the use of alcohol, drugs and destructive behavior.
The Marching Elites Association is committed to the belief that "It takes a whole village to raise a child."
Organization
The Marching Elites Association (MEA) is a volunteer run, youth based, academically centered, community supported 501(C) 3 not-for-profit organization. The MEA is committed to providing quality educational and specialized leadership training programs for participating able and disabled youth, motivating them to maximum performance levels in their school and community.
MEA members are divided into a number of performing drill teams from elementary to high school. The drill teams routinely perform together; however, the Drill Teams are often featured individually at multiple sites, or in same day performances.
The Marching Elites Drill Team headquarters is currently located at the Mercury Entertainment Center. The MEC address is 227 E Mercury Blvd Hampton, VA 23669. The Mercury Entertainment Center operates as a fundraising opportunity for the Association.
The Little Tin Soldiers Educational Center is an additional MEA comprehensive program located at, 199 E Mercury Blvd Hampton, VA 23669, that serves our community with quality childcare (licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia) for youths ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age at an affordable and competitive cost.
The Association is pleased to announce the opening of The Elites Academy and Cultural Center the Fall of 2016.
Founder / CEO
Mark Cooper
Mark Cooper is the founder, President and Drill Master for the nationally renowned Marching Elites Association from Hampton Virginia. Mark's tireless dedication and relentless commitment to providing positive alternatives to alcohol, drugs and destructive behavior for all able and disabled use, has enabled him to achieve at a level surpassing that of a person twice his age.
Mark Anthony Cooper was born in Fort Monroe, Virginia on September 23, 1962. Growing up in the Hampton Roads area, adversity struck mark at an early age. At the age of 15, Mark's older brother was murdered leaving him to care for a mentally disabled sister, and a mother who used a wheelchair due to nerve disease.
Mark credits the strength he developed on a precision drill and marching team with honing his sense of self discipline, increasing his confidence and helping him survive that difficult time. He was educated in the Hampton Public School system and graduated from Hampton High School in 1981.
Mark continued his education at Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton University, and the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, where he also learned sign language. Mark Cooper is married to Felicia Goins-Cooper and they are blessed with a beautiful daughter.