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.

February

Amy Kravetz

- @amy_kravetz

5th grade teacher, Clearview Elementary Bethlehem Area School District, PA

2021

January

Isiah Guinyard

- @mistergee21

Elementary Math Program Coordinator Klein ISD, Klein, TX

2021

January

Jennifer Kling

- @Mrs_Kling_Tech

Elementary STEM | Apple Teacher | LEGO Master Educator | Microsoft Innovative Educator Souderton School District, PA

2021

December

Rachel DeCarlo

- @rachel_decarlo

4th grade LTS teacher, Maple Glen Elementary Upper Dublin School District, PA

2020

November

Melissa Walsh

- @PalmerPanthers1

Interventionist, Palmer Elementary School Easton Area School District, PA

2020

October

Sonia Batista

- @Ms_Batista5

Grade 3 Math Teacher, Oak Tree Road School Woodbridge Township School District, NJ

2020

September

Samantha Brown

- @MrsBrown

Grade 2 Math Teacher, Freetown ES Anne Arundel County Public Schools, MD

2020

June

Shannon Ziemer

- @MDCityMath

Title 1 Math Teacher, Maryland City Anne Arundel County Public Schools, MD

2020

May

Kathy Benton

- @KathyBenton72

Grade 3, Glendale Elementary School Anne Arundel County Public Schools, MD

2020

April

Katie Gould

- @Gouldkm21

Math & Science Specialist, Mueller Elementary School Klein Independent School District, Spring, TX

2020

March

Jennifer Gleason

- @cmespds

Grade 3 Teacher, Crofton Meadows Elementary School Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Crofton, MD

2020

February

Allison Joy Russell

- @joy2teachem

2nd Grade Teacher, Honey Creek Elementary School Rockdale County Public Schools, Conyers, GA

2020

Dr. Lola J. May Award

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An annual award given to educators who exemplify Lola's spirit.

2020

David Leith

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

Carol A. Lauck St. Nicholas School, Allentown Diocese, PA

Bronze Medal

Stephanie Boyd Abbeville Elementary, Henry County SD, AL

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.