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!
Eighth-grader Ao Kong has once again claimed the title of #1 Player, All Grades, in the First In Math® Online Program, making history as the first two-time winner with back-to-back victories in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. A student at General George A. McCall Elementary in Philadelphia, she dominated the competition for months, earning an incredible 44,860 Stickers by the April 30 deadline. Opting for a unique honor instead of a second Apple iTouch, Kong received a crystal award for Extraordinary Mathematics Achievement. First In Math creator Robert Sun praises her perseverance, noting she solved approximately 135,000 math problems, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, to reach the top. A three-time National All-Star, Kong looks forward to attending Central High School in the fall.
Players
James O'Shea (PA) Valentino Papa (PA) Hannah Sonsalla (WI) Brian Xia (CA) Mark Stenske (PA) Caleb McCammon (MD) Jordan Sandy (MD) Alice Hu (PA) Ryan Dougherty (PA)
Team Leaders
Kevin Tomasic (PA) Jeffrey L. Kraner (OH) Sheri Galbreath (CA) Colleen Armor (PA) Lydia Laidlow (MD) Carol Lauck (PA) Neil Beitman (PA) Monica Patel (PA) Chris Sakers (MD)
Schools
Northmont ES (CA) St. Joseph the Worker (PA) AMY Northwest (PA) OLMBS School (PA) Paint Branch ES (MD) Calverton ES (MD) Evans Computer Mag. (PA) Anne Frank ES (PA) St. Pius X (PA) Manatee Bay ES (FL) Baldi Middle School (PA)
Top Educator Players
2009
A monthly award given to an educator who has been actively talking about math achievement on social media channels.
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
November
Title I Math Resource Teacher, Glen Burnie Park Elementary Anne Arundel County Public Schools, MD
2023
October
Math Coach, Garden City Primary Buildings Garden City School District, Garden City, NY
2023
October
Gifted Education Teacher, Willow Lane Elementary School East Penn School District, Emmaus, PA
2023
An annual award given to educators who exemplify Lola's spirit.
2024
For the third consecutive year, David Leith is being recognized with the Lola J. May Award! Leith teaches at Theiss Elementary, Klein ISD in Texas. He is proud that "All 5 Theiss Elementary 3rd grade classes are in the top 8 of the First In Math State rankings!
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.
