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 Ao Kong claimed the title of #1 Player in the First In Math® Online Program for the 2007-2008 school year, outperforming nearly 250,000 students nationwide. A dedicated student at General George A. McCall Elementary in Philadelphia, Kong led the competition for months, earning 33,511 Stickers by the April 30 deadline. At a special luncheon, she connected with First In Math creator Robert Sun over their shared background. Her determination was key—spending hours each night playing—not for prizes, but simply to be #1. Already a National All-Star as a sixth-grader, Kong now adds the Grand Prize, an Apple iTouch®, to her achievements.
Players
Hannah Sonsalla (WI) Valentino Papa (PA) James O'Shea (PA) John Francis (CA) Justin Gu (NJ) Caleb McCammon (MD)
Team Leaders
Kimberly Johnson (FL) Sheri Galbreath (CA) Colleen Armor (PA) Lydia Laidlow (MD) Barbara Terrell (PA) Umbrenda Fisher (MD) Neil Beitman (PA) Lois Doerfler (PA) Lindita Zeneli (PA) Lisa Weingartner (FL)
Schools
Pollock ES (PA) OLMBS School (PA) Frank ES (PA) Oakridge ES (FL) AMY Northwestl (PA) Orchard MS (OH) Northmont ES (CA) Paint Branch ES (MD) Calverton ES (MD) Leeds MS (PA) Aquinas ES (PA)
Top Educator Players
2008
A monthly award given to an educator who has been actively talking about math achievement on social media channels.
February
5th grade teacher, Clearview Elementary Bethlehem Area School District, PA
2021
January
Elementary Math Program Coordinator Klein ISD, Klein, TX
2021
January
Elementary STEM | Apple Teacher | LEGO Master Educator | Microsoft Innovative Educator Souderton School District, PA
2021
December
4th grade LTS teacher, Maple Glen Elementary Upper Dublin School District, PA
2020
November
Interventionist, Palmer Elementary School Easton Area School District, PA
2020
October
Grade 3 Math Teacher, Oak Tree Road School Woodbridge Township School District, NJ
2020
September
Grade 2 Math Teacher, Freetown ES Anne Arundel County Public Schools, MD
2020
June
Title 1 Math Teacher, Maryland City Anne Arundel County Public Schools, MD
2020
May
Grade 3, Glendale Elementary School Anne Arundel County Public Schools, MD
2020
April
Math & Science Specialist, Mueller Elementary School Klein Independent School District, Spring, TX
2020
March
Grade 3 Teacher, Crofton Meadows Elementary School Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Crofton, MD
2020
February
2nd Grade Teacher, Honey Creek Elementary School Rockdale County Public Schools, Conyers, GA
2020
An annual award given to educators who exemplify Lola's spirit.
2025
A teacher at Clearview ES in the Bethlehem Area SD, Jeff Markham is the 2025 recipient of the Dr. Lola J. May Award. "I have always loved teaching math and First in Math is a great supplement to the curriculum. As I teach skills, students can work on that skill in class and at home with instant feedback. I wasn’t planning on playing this year, but two girls in my class started playing even before the first day of school. Their excitement motivated me to go for 10X Grand Champion status, which I achieved. You know that the program you are using is effective when both the students and the teacher motivate each other. I am very happy that my district uses 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.
