Dr. Paul Cottle, the Steve Edwards Professor of Physics at Florida State University, will return to the Florida Keys on Tuesday, February 6th to recognize eighty 8th grade students from Marathon Middle School and Sugarloaf School  for their achievements in advanced math and advanced science classes.  Dr. Cottle will also participate in the induction of these students into the Future Physicists of Florida Program.  The Future Physicists of Florida Program was founded in 2012 to prepare promising middle school students for college majors in physics, engineering and STEM related fields.  The Monroe County Schools have been a participant in the Future Physicists of Florida Program for the past three years and have recognized over 300 middle school students.

Dr. Cottle brings his personal touch to the Future Physicists of Florida Program, and he will be meeting with students and their parents during the induction program at 4:15 to share his passion for encouraging these talented students to continue their efforts in advanced math and science classes.   His motivational message to students and parents will help them understand the type of education and career opportunities that await them in the fields of math and science.  Dr. Cottle will be joined at the induction ceremony by Mr. Chip Kasper, Senior Forecaster with the National Weather Service, who will deliver the keynote address.   In addition, Dr. Cottle will be available to meet with all students and parents during the Marathon Middle/High School Curriculum Night that will follow the Future Physicists of Florida induction later in the evening.

“I am excited to have Dr. Paul Cottle return to the Monroe County Schools with his important message regarding future opportunities in the fields of math and science.  Too many of our parents and students to not understand how decisions made when a student is 15 or 16 can affect their future.  We want our students to ‘keep the doors open’ when it comes to their future opportunities, and continuing their pursuit of rigorous math and science classes is one important way they can do that,” states Superintendent Mark Porter.

The Future Physicists of Florida Program in the Monroe County Schools is coordinated by Melissa Alsobrooks, MCSD Science Coordinator.