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!
For the second year in a row, Eric Stefanica is the #1 Player, All Grades, in the First In Math® Online Program! Currently attending fifth grade at P.S. 144Q - Col Jeromus Remsen School in Community School District 28 in New York, Eric amassed more than 100,000 Stickers on his way to the 2022-2023 First In Math National All Star award. How did he do it again? Stefanica explains that that perseverance and discipline are key to succeeding in First in Math. "I simply played every day for as long as it took to meet the goal that I laid out for myself!" First In Math creator, Robert Sun, says Stefanica’s accomplishment is even more notable than last year. "Being a 10X Grand Champion* is the Ultimate Achievement on First In Math. It takes tremendous dedication, consistent effort, and willingness to push the envelope of your math skills. Eric has shown the power of his imagination and the ability to accomplish his grand ambition - two years in a row!" The two-time National Champion says that his favorite First In Math game is Master RPS Chess, but he has many varied interests outside of math. "I like to play soccer and tennis, and still like to ride my hovercart in the park." A brown belt in Shotokan karate, Stefanica is no stranger to setting a goal and marching directly toward it. "I started karate five years ago, and I will soon be a black belt — as I set out to become."
Players
Eric Stefanica (NY) Janice Chen (NJ) Alex Groner (PA) Hanna Chen (NJ) Cienna Afflisio (PA)
Team Leaders
Stephanie Piccola (NJ) Josephine Fedena (PA) Bryan McDevitt (PA) Morgan Moore (PA) Givon Ellison (PA) William McCombie (PA) Kristin Haines (NJ) Trisha Schoeneck (PA) Christian Laird (PA) Allison Frable (PA)
Schools
St. Francis de Sales School (PA) Shawnee Elementary School (PA) Wedgwood Elementary School (NJ) Spring Garden Elementary (PA) Tracy Elementary School (PA) Easton Area Middle School (PA) O'Bryant School of Math & Science (MA) Bells Elementary School (NJ) Clearview Elementary School (PA) Thomas Fitzwater Elementary (PA)
Top Educator Players
Jeff Markham (PA) Robert Beck (FL) Mary Higgins (PA) Sr. Georgiana Connell, IHM (PA) Melissa Chrystie (NY) Mrs. Jennifer DiMarzo (OH) Susan Costenbader (PA) Kathleen Foster (PA) Bill Reynolds (GA)
2023
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.
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.
