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!

Sadaat Rahman

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."

Honorable Mentions

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

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.

April

Senator Lisa Boscola

- @SenLisaBoscola

Pennsylvania State Senator 18th Senatorial District, Northampton & Lehigh County, PA

2025

March

Senator Tracy Pennycuick

- @Sen_Pennycuick

Pennsylvania State Senator 24th Senatorial District, Montgomery & Berks County, PA

2025

February

Tamara Solometo, Ed. D.

- @TSolometo

Director of K-12 Curriculum & Instruction Southern Lehigh School District, Center Valley, PA

2025

December

Jared Nash

- @MrNashsClass

Third Grade Teacher, Claremont School Ossining Union Free School District, Ossining, NY

2024

November

Jonathan Winslow

- @MSDSC_JWins

Director of Elementary Education, MSD of Steuben County MSD of Steuben County, Angola, IN

2024

September

John Phillips

- @MrPhillipsTeach

Grade 4 Classroom Teacher, Marvine Elementary School Bethlehem Area School District, Bethlehem, PA

2024

May

John Phillips

- @MrPhillipsTeach

Grade 4 Classroom Teacher, Marvine Elementary School Bethlehem Area School District, Bethlehem, PA

2024

April

Edward Bush

- @MrBush_FWES

4th Grade Teacher, Fort Washington Elementary School Upper Dublin School District, Maple Glen, PA

2024

March

Laura Heineck, Ed. D

- @SASD_Franconia

Principal, Franconia Elementary School Souderton Area School District, Souderton, PA

2024

February

Dr. Alexa Doeschne

- @DrDoeschner

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Technology Glen Cove City School District, Glen Cove, NY

2024

January

Timothy Bickhar

- @Bpt_BEARs

Principal, Bridgeport Elementary School Upper Merion School District, Bridgeport, PA

2024

December

Isabel C. Resende, Ed. D.

- @icr205

Assistant Superintendent Nazareth Area School District, Nazareth, PA

2023

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.