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 Shonak Patel of Nitschmann Middle School in Bethlehem, PA, secured the #1 national ranking in the 2006 First In Math® season, earning an impressive 22,572 Stickers—one of only six students nationwide to surpass 20,000. Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, Shonak has excelled in math, even topping Carnegie Mellon University's summer program contest. His most cherished moment came when 24® Game inventor Robert Sun sent him a personally-signed game set. Shonak attributes his success to patience, emphasizing that early rankings matter less than consistent effort throughout the year.
Players
Sang Choi (CA) Enxhi Rrapi (PA) Chris Mienert (PA) Caleb McCammon (MD)
Team Leaders
Schools
Top Educator Players
2006
A monthly award given to an educator who has been actively talking about math achievement on social media channels.
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.
2020
David Leith is deeply honored to be recognized with the Lola J. May Award. The 20-year veteran of the classroom teaches at Theiss Elementary, Klein ISD in Texas. “I wanted to learn all the games so that I could be a role model, and I got hooked on the learning experience right along with my students. I am especially enthused by how FIM enables so many students to meaningfully learn and apply math above their grade level expectations.
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.
