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.
October
Grade 4 Teacher, Endeavour Elementary School North Hanover Township School District, Joint Base MDL, NJ
2019
September
3rd Grade Teacher , Asa Packer Elementary School Bethlehem Area School District, Bethlehem, PA
2019
April
School Performance Coach, Severn Elementary School Anne Arundel County Public School District, Annapolis, MD
2019
March
Grade 4 Classroom Teacher, Marvine Elementary School Bethlehem Area School District, Bethlehem, PA
2019
February
Elementary Curriculum and Instruction Specialist Newton County School System, Covington, GA
2019
January
Grade 4 ICR Teacher, Endeavor Elementary School North Hanover Township School District, Wrightstown, NJ
2019
December
Instructional Math Coach K-5, Tom R. Ellisor Elementary School Magnolia ISD, Magnolia, TX
2018
November
Math Specialist, Goodnoe Elementary School Council Rock School District, Newtown Township, PA
2018
October
Gifted & Talent Development Teacher, Slater Elementary School Atlanta Public Schools, GA
2018
September
Grade 4 Teacher, Towne Meadow Elementary School Carmel Clay School District, Carmel, IN
2018
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.
