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!
Sadaat Rahman has earned the distinction of being the 2026 #1 Player — All Grades — in the First In Math® Online Program. As the top player, he earned 112,388 achievement-based Stickers and solved more than 337,164 math problems on his way to the First In Math NATIONAL ALL-STAR Award. A third-grade student at Highgate Heights Elementary School in Buffalo Public Schools, Buffalo, NY, Sadaat has achieved national recognition for his mathematical skill and persistence. "I am proud of being first in the nation for First in Math, and I'm happy, excited, grateful, and blessed at the recognition it has brought." “This kind of achievement is incredibly rare,” explains First In Math creator Robert Sun. “Reaching #1 in the nation requires critical thinking, and the ability to solve complex problems with accuracy and strategy, but Sadaat’s success is also the result of sustained, active engagement in rigorous problem solving over time—demonstrating focus, resilience, and deep commitment." Outside the classroom, Sadaat enjoys drawing, spending time with his little brother, playing Minecraft, and other games. His favorite subject in school is Math. "Math is like a puzzle and I like solving problems," he explains. "What I like about First in Math is that it is like a puzzle or game — but you get to solve math problems!" His favorite challenges in First in Math are the 24 Wheels and other Intermediate Bonus Games. With the guidance of his teacher, Jennifer V. Barone, and the leadership of Principal Gayle Irving-White, Sadaat has continued to grow in a school environment that values perseverance, curiosity, and academic excellence. "My principal, my mom, my family members inspire me — my mom the most. I wanted to be first. I dreamed about it. My mom kept encouraging me." What advice would he give to other students who want to rise to the top in First in Math? "Earn stickers every day. Don’t give up even if it’s difficult."

Players
Florence Kim (NV) Samuel Lazarre (NJ) Manuel Platel (NY) Adora Bevan (NY) David Reyes (PA) Benjamin Corado (NY) Isaac Castro (NY)
Team Leaders
Joshua Bliss (MN) Richard Farina (PA) Justin Henry (NY) Nicole Colarte (NY) Dawn Doheny (PA) Maria Carrubba (PA) Kathleen Foster (PA) Valerie Frazier (PA) Adam Hochheiser (NY) Tricia Fox (PA)
Schools
Lime Kiln Elementary (NY) St. Francis De Sales School (PA) Jarrettown Elementary (PA) Goodnoe Elementary (PA) Maureen M. Welch Elementary (PA) UMASD Middle School (PA) Academy of St. Paul School (NJ) Hale Community School (MN) Sol Feinstone Elementary (PA) Alexander II Magnet School (GA)
Top Educator Players
Jeffrey Markham (PA) Nicole Gysin (NJ) Mary Higgins (PA) Eric Buxton (NY) Ashlene Quinn (PA) Casey Szklany (NY) Brianna Ruleman (MD) Jennifer Ambrozic (PA) Kathleen Foster (PA) Susan Contenbaker (PA)
2026
A monthly award given to an educator who has been actively talking about math achievement on social media channels.
April
Pennsylvania State Senator 18th Senatorial District, Northampton & Lehigh County, PA
2025
March
Pennsylvania State Senator 24th Senatorial District, Montgomery & Berks County, PA
2025
February
Director of K-12 Curriculum & Instruction Southern Lehigh School District, Center Valley, PA
2025
December
Third Grade Teacher, Claremont School Ossining Union Free School District, Ossining, NY
2024
November
Director of Elementary Education, MSD of Steuben County MSD of Steuben County, Angola, IN
2024
September
Grade 4 Classroom Teacher, Marvine Elementary School Bethlehem Area School District, Bethlehem, PA
2024
May
Grade 4 Classroom Teacher, Marvine Elementary School Bethlehem Area School District, Bethlehem, PA
2024
April
4th Grade Teacher, Fort Washington Elementary School Upper Dublin School District, Maple Glen, PA
2024
March
Principal, Franconia Elementary School Souderton Area School District, Souderton, PA
2024
February
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Technology Glen Cove City School District, Glen Cove, NY
2024
January
Principal, Bridgeport Elementary School Upper Merion School District, Bridgeport, PA
2024
December
Assistant Superintendent Nazareth Area School District, Nazareth, PA
2023
An annual award given to educators who exemplify Lola's spirit.

2026
Jeff Markham, a 5th-grade teacher at Clearview ES in the Bethlehem Area School District, is the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Lola J. May Award. A longtime First In Math user, Markham also received the award in 2025 and 2023. “I have really enjoyed playing First In Math this year. It was quite a competition among the educators, and there were times when I wasn’t sure I would win. The student competition was amazing as well and fun to watch. Over the years, my students and I have had a lot of fun playing and working together to strengthen our math skills. First In Math is a great program that is engaging and fun for my students. Good luck next year to all the students and educators playing First In Math!”
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.