Join us in celebrating the people who make First in Math special
An annual award given to the #1 Player First in Math player across all grades!
Seventh-grader Shonak Patel of Nitschmann Middle School in Bethlehem, PA, secured the #1 national ranking in the 2006 First In Math® season, earning an impressive 22,572 Stickers—one of only six students nationwide to surpass 20,000. Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, Shonak has excelled in math, even topping Carnegie Mellon University's summer program contest. His most cherished moment came when 24® Game inventor Robert Sun sent him a personally-signed game set. Shonak attributes his success to patience, emphasizing that early rankings matter less than consistent effort throughout the year.
Players
Sang Choi (CA) Enxhi Rrapi (PA) Chris Mienert (PA) Caleb McCammon (MD)
Team Leaders
Schools
Top Educator Players
2006
A monthly award given to an educator who has been actively talking about math achievement on social media channels.
December
4th grade LTS teacher, Maple Glen Elementary Upper Dublin School District, PA
2020
November
Interventionist, Palmer Elementary School Easton Area School District, PA
2020
October
Grade 3 Math Teacher, Oak Tree Road School Woodbridge Township School District, NJ
2020
September
Grade 2 Math Teacher, Freetown ES Anne Arundel County Public Schools, MD
2020
June
Title 1 Math Teacher, Maryland City Anne Arundel County Public Schools, MD
2020
May
Grade 3, Glendale Elementary School Anne Arundel County Public Schools, MD
2020
April
Math & Science Specialist, Mueller Elementary School Klein Independent School District, Spring, TX
2020
March
Grade 3 Teacher, Crofton Meadows Elementary School Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Crofton, MD
2020
February
2nd Grade Teacher, Honey Creek Elementary School Rockdale County Public Schools, Conyers, GA
2020
January
BSI math Teacher, Wedgwood Elementary School Washington Township Public Schools, Sewell, NJ
2020
December
District Coordinator Klein Independent School District, Klein, TX
2019
November
Grade 5 Teacher Freemansburg Elementary School Bethlehem Area School District, Freemansburg, PA
2019
An annual award given to educators who exemplify Lola's spirit.
2023
A teacher at Clearview ES in the Bethlehem Area SD for 20+ years, Jeff Markham is the 2023 recipient of the Dr. Lola J. May Award. "I have always enjoyed using First in Math for everything from enrichment to support. It is a wonderful complement to the curriculum and allows my students to practice skills in a fun & engaging way. This year our students ranked 9th in the nation! I am so proud of them!"
Silver Medal
Bronze Medal
Dr. Lola J. May (1923-2007) was a noted mathematics educator, consultant, author and producer of audio-visual materials. A pioneer in mathematics education and an early proponent of the new math educational process, May was beloved by her students, and became a household name among mathematics educators.
