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.

September

Josephine McKay

- @MrsJosieMcKay

Grade 4 Teacher, Towne Meadow Elementary School Carmel Clay School District, Carmel, IN

2018

Dr. Lola J. May Award

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

2019

Carol A. Lauck

Carol A. Lauck, a 41-year veteran of the classroom, teaches second grade at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School in Minersville, PA, in the Diocese of Allentown. "I am honored to receive this award having been with the program for 12 years. FIM is a marvelous learning tool that helps children obtain math skills—and show them math is EVERYWHERE!"

Silver Medal

Stephanie Boyd Waller Elementary School, Bay County, F

Bronze Medal

Chris Sakers Southwest Academy, Baltimore County, MD.

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.