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.
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.
2026
Jeff Markham, a 5th-grade teacher at Clearview ES in the Bethlehem Area School District, is the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Lola J. May Award. A longtime First In Math user, Markham also received the award in 2025 and 2023. “I have really enjoyed playing First In Math this year. It was quite a competition among the educators, and there were times when I wasn’t sure I would win. The student competition was amazing as well and fun to watch. Over the years, my students and I have had a lot of fun playing and working together to strengthen our math skills. First In Math is a great program that is engaging and fun for my students. Good luck next year to all the students and educators playing First In Math!”
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.
