Champions
of Math

Join us in celebrating the people who make First in Math special.

Hall of Fame

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An annual award given to the #1 Player First in Math player across all grades!

Shonak Patel

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.

Honorable Mentions

Players

Sang Choi (CA) Enxhi Rrapi (PA) Chris Mienert (PA) Caleb McCammon (MD)

Team Leaders

Schools

Top Educator Players

2006

Spirit in Education

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A monthly award given to an educator who has been actively talking about math achievement on social media channels.

September

Josephine McKay

- @MrsJosieMcKay

Grade 4 Teacher, Towne Meadow Elementary School Carmel Clay School District, Carmel, IN

2018

Dr. Lola J. May Award

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An annual award given to educators who exemplify Lola's spirit.

2024

Robert Beck

The 2024 winner of the Lola J. May award is ROBERT BECK, a Teacher from Hiland Park Elementary in Bay County SD, Florida.

Silver Medal

Alison Allen Kissimmee Elementary, Osceola County SD, FL

Bronze Medal

Mary Higgins St. Laurence School, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, PA

About Dr. May

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.