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 Ao Kong claimed the title of #1 Player in the First In Math® Online Program for the 2007-2008 school year, outperforming nearly 250,000 students nationwide. A dedicated student at General George A. McCall Elementary in Philadelphia, Kong led the competition for months, earning 33,511 Stickers by the April 30 deadline. At a special luncheon, she connected with First In Math creator Robert Sun over their shared background. Her determination was key—spending hours each night playing—not for prizes, but simply to be #1. Already a National All-Star as a sixth-grader, Kong now adds the Grand Prize, an Apple iTouch®, to her achievements.
Players
Hannah Sonsalla (WI) Valentino Papa (PA) James O'Shea (PA) John Francis (CA) Justin Gu (NJ) Caleb McCammon (MD)
Team Leaders
Kimberly Johnson (FL) Sheri Galbreath (CA) Colleen Armor (PA) Lydia Laidlow (MD) Barbara Terrell (PA) Umbrenda Fisher (MD) Neil Beitman (PA) Lois Doerfler (PA) Lindita Zeneli (PA) Lisa Weingartner (FL)
Schools
Pollock ES (PA) OLMBS School (PA) Frank ES (PA) Oakridge ES (FL) AMY Northwestl (PA) Orchard MS (OH) Northmont ES (CA) Paint Branch ES (MD) Calverton ES (MD) Leeds MS (PA) Aquinas ES (PA)
Top Educator Players
2008
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.
