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!
Eric Stefanica claimed the title of #1 Player, All Grades, in the First In Math® Online Program for the 2021-2022 school year! A fourth grader at P.S. 144Q in New York, he earned over 95,000 Stickers to win the First In Math National All Star award—eventually surpassing 100,000 Stickers to become the first 10X Grand Champion. Driven by a love for math and a solid strategy, Eric dedicated 800 hours to solving nearly 300,000 problems. First In Math creator Robert Sun calls his achievement “one in a million,” praising his focus and determination. When he’s not mastering math, Eric enjoys riding his hovercraft in the park.
Players
Eric Stefanica (NY) Jayden Xu (GA) Luca Merkle (PA) Anthony Wang (PA) Darion Gjymishka (GA) Deryck Regis Maniraho (PA)
Team Leaders
Denise Laudenslager (PA) Michelle Maqboul (PA) Ashley Gaines (PA) Phyllis Elder (GA) Ashley Torelli (PA) Taylor Burckhalter (PA) Tracy Fletcher (PA) Jeff Keys (PA) Phyllis Elder (GA) Bryan McDevitt (PA)
Schools
St. Francis de Sales School (PA) Shawnee Elementary School (PA) Stratford Academy (GA) Notre Dame de Lourdes School (PA) Spring Garden Elementary (PA) Wedgwood Elementary School (NJ) Easton Area Middle School (PA) Rieffton School (PA) O’Bryant Math & Science School (MA) Maple Glen Elementary School (PA)
Top Educator Players
David Leith (TX) Mary Higgins (PA) Stephanie Boyd (AL) Phyllis Elder (GA) Jennifer DiMarzo (OH) Sr. Georgiana Connell (PA) Darren Parrish (TX) Randy Hart (SC)
2022
A monthly award given to an educator who has been actively talking about math achievement on social media channels.
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
November
Title I Math Resource Teacher, Glen Burnie Park Elementary Anne Arundel County Public Schools, MD
2023
October
Math Coach, Garden City Primary Buildings Garden City School District, Garden City, NY
2023
October
Gifted Education Teacher, Willow Lane Elementary School East Penn School District, Emmaus, PA
2023
An annual award given to educators who exemplify Lola's spirit.
2022
For the third consecutive year, David Leith is being recognized with the Lola J. May Award! Leith teaches at Theiss Elementary, Klein ISD in Texas. He is proud that "All 5 Theiss Elementary 3rd grade classes are in the top 8 of the First In Math State rankings! The students have really developed their skills as they have completed thousands and thousands of problems."
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.
