Hall of Fame

Charith Devarinti - 2024 Champion

The 2024 #1 Player — All Grades — in the First In Math^® Online Program is Charith Devarinti!

Charith is only the second player to become a 10X Grand Champion, earning more than 104,000 Stickers on his way to the First In Math National All Star award. What was his secret? "My strategy is to do the very complicated games first, and then do the very easy games last!"

An energetic student, Charith skipped fourth grade and is currently enjoying fifth-grade at Marvine Elementary in the Bethlehem Area School District in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He placed third last year in the National competition among all grades and was the #1 Player in the District. According to his third-grade teacher that's when he also began to be a leader in the classroom.

Charith explains that incremental First In Math successes helped build his confidence." I felt like I could do anything if I started believing in myself. I realized if I was good at math, then I could be good at other things... like reading, science, physics, and a whole lot more. When I first came to school I didn't know that many words, but when I got more confident, I started having more friends and started learning more words in English."

First In Math creator, Robert Sun, expresses confidence that there are many more grand accomplishments coming Charith's way. "I applaud Charith for his remarkable focus and perseverance. As a third-grade student in 2023 he initially was at 26% on his First In Math Algebra Goals metric. During a school visit I urged him to stretch out toward a goal of 70%. Within 20 days he had reached 100%!"

First In Math District Parnerships Manager, Jennifer Kling, has followed the young math star's upward trajectory for several years. "Congratulations are due to Charith, his family and his school. Charith outlined a goal for himself and then set about making it happen — and his school created an environment where fearless students set lofty goals for themselves and achieve them."

Charith says his favorite thing about First In Math is that "it is like a game that helps you build on top of your math skills — in a fun way.” What does he like to do when he's not engrossed in math fun? With his trademark smile, the answer comes immediately: “My other interests are science, language arts, history, and geography!” 

- - - - - - - 

* Editor's note: First In Math Grand Champions are crowned when they achieve more than 10,000 stickers — solving approximately 30,000 math problems — in a single school year. Learn more about Charith's path to Top Ten Champion here: An Algebra Success Story.

Senator Lisa Boscola secured $500,000 in funding to provide First In Math program services and materials to every elementary-aged school student in Pennsylvania's 18th District, which includes the Bethlehem Area School District.

---

Eric Stefanica - 2023 Champion

For the second year in a row, Eric Stefanica is the #1 Player, All Grades, in the First In Math^® Online Program!

Currently attending fifth grade at P.S. 144Q - Col Jeromus Remsen School in Community School District 28 in New York, Eric amassed more than 100,000 Stickers on his way to the 2022-2023 First In Math National All Star award.

How did he do it again? Stefanica explains that that perseverance and discipline are key to succeeding in First in Math. "I simply played every day for as long as it took to meet the goal that I laid out for myself!"

First In Math creator, Robert Sun, says Stefanica’s accomplishment is even more notable than last year. "Being a 10X Grand Champion* is the Ultimate Achievement on First In Math. It takes tremendous dedication, consistent effort, and willingness to push the envelope of your math skills. Eric has shown the power of his imagination and the ability to accomplish his grand ambition - two years in a row!"

The two-time National Champion says that his favorite First In Math game is Master RPS Chess, but he has many varied interests outside of math. "I like to play soccer and tennis, and still like to ride my hovercart in the park."  A brown belt in Shotokan karate, Stefanica is no stranger to setting a goal and marching directly toward it. "I started karate five years ago, and I will soon be a black belt — as I set out to become."

---

* Editor's note: First In Math Grand Champions are crowned when they achieve more than 10,000 stickers — solving approximately 30,000 math problems — in a single school year. Stefanica earned more than 100,000 stickers, making him a Grand Champion ten-times over for the second year.

---

Eric Stefanica - 2022 Champion

Eric Stefanica is the #1 Player, All Grades, in the First In Math^® Online Program for the 2021-2022 school year!

Currently attending fourth grade at P.S. 144Q - Col Jeromus Remsen School in Community School District 28 in New York, Eric amassed more than 95,000 Stickers on the way to becoming a recipient of the prestigious First In Math National All Star award. (Update: Eric continued to play after the end of official competition on April 29, surpassing the 100,000-sticker mark to become the first 10X Grand Champion!)

Stefanica explains that that after playing First in Math for two years, he decided to go for the win this year. "I love everything about First in Math; it is an excellent opportunity to learn and practice, and it has both basic and challenging games, which are a lot of fun!"

"I really like math, as you could have guessed by now," says Stefanica, who admits that he crafted a solid plan for success. "Playing consistently was key, and — as I was always taught — hard work really pays off."

First In Math creator, Robert Sun, says Stefanica’s accomplishment is quite literally one in a million. "He achieved his goal and became the #1 First In Math player in the world out of more than one million students competing. Along the way he set a record for number of Stickers earned, and spent about 800 hours solving nearly 300,000 math problems."

"It is an honor for me to see how this fourth grader approached his goal in a focused, strategic, and mindful way, solving the most rigorous games and word problems at an eighth-grade level," explains Sun. "Eric will go far in this world, and I wish him the very best in all his endeavors.”

When he's not solving math problems, what else does this energetic Champion enjoy? The answer is accompanied by a broad smile, "Taking my hovercraft for a drive around the park is a lot of fun!"

Editor's note: PS144Q, located in Forest Hills, Queens, ended the National Top Ten Rankings #1 in the State of New York and #9 in the Nation among First In Math's Top 100 Schools. In addition to National #1 Player Eric Stefanica, 72 students surpassed the 10,000-Sticker milestone to become First In Math Grand Champions.

---

Temidire Tanimowo - 2021 Champion

Temidire Tanimowo is the #1 Player, All Grades, in the First In Math® Online Program for the 2020-2021 school year!

Currently attending fourth grade at Mueller Elementary in the Klein Independent School District in Spring, Texas, Temidire holds the title of Grand Prize winner — only the second time a fourth-grader has earned that title — and is a repeat recipient of the First In Math National All Star award.

Last year he earned his first All Star award, placing #4 as a third-grader at Hassler Elementary, also in Klein ISD. That achievement strengthened his vision and goal for this year.

"My strategy was to play the hard games first by attempting to score maximum points possible at all times and keeping a wide lead right from the beginning," says Temidire, explaining that he saved easy games that could be played quickly and without loss of points for the later stage of the competition.

First In Math creator, Robert Sun, has the utmost respect for Temidire's achievement. “Most impressive work done by this 4th grader. Master Tanimowo completed all 240+ First In Math games, including many very rigorous coding games and word problem modules that are at the 8th-grade level. Temidire solved more than 240,000 math problems and spent about 700 hours of diligent effort to bring this national honor to KISD.”

Along with First In Math, Temidire is an avid reader and has a huge appetite for learning and acquisition of knowledge. His hobbies include Chess, Tennis, Ping Pong, Prodigy maths, and playing "Jeopardy!" and "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" on Alexa. He also loves to spend time with his younger brother Jikore, who happens to be his number one fan. 

Editor's note: For the first time ever, one School District — Klein ISD in Texas — is home to both the #1 Player in the Nation and the #1 Team Leader Player in the nation, David Leith.

---

Justin O'Shea - 2020 Champion

Justin O'Shea is the #1 Player, All Grades, in the First In Math® Online Program for the 2019-2020 school year—ten years to the day after his brother took the title in 2010!

O'Shea, who attends St. Pius X School in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will receive a Grand Prize in addition to his National All Star award. He also earned a Gold Star award last year, finishing ninth in the Rankings.

"For the First In Math strategy, I tried to be consistent," explains O'Shea. "I didn't play every day, but I tried to play most days." While his brother, James, used a different strategy—building a considerable cushion and leading the field for months—Justin's surge to the top came late, passing Rishi Patel from McNeill Elementary School in Texas with only hours left in the competition.

In addition to First In Math, O’Shea is busy with other activities. "I was captain of our Reading Olympics team at school this year," says the energetic fifth-grader. "My favorite books are the Harry Potter series. American History also interests me because I like learning about those who shaped our country." When not playing basketball and soccer, O'Shea enjoys going to the Jersey Shore with his family and playing on the beach with his brothers.

"Justin is continuing an incredible legacy for many Archdiocese of Philadelphia students started by his own brother James in 2010. During the past decade, AOPS students have captured the #1 national title in eight of ten years," says First In Math Creator, Robert Sun. "I am so proud of the focus and dedication he maintained all year long, even through school closures."

---

Daniel Wang, Jr. - 2019 Champion

2018-2019 First In Math Online Program National Champion DANIEL WANG, JR., and Sister Mildred Chesnavage, Principal of Our Lady of Calvary School.

PHILADELPHIA, PA—For an unprecedented fourth year in a row, DANIEL WANG, JR. is the #1 First In Math player in the nation, all grades.

According to his father, Daniel wanted to accomplish something this year that no one ever has—four consecutive FIM titles. “He is incredibly proud of this. His strategy was to carefully concentrate on the newer and more difficult games early in the competition, saving a lion’s share of stickers he felt could be quickly earned and ‘unleashed' during the last week.”

Now in his last year at Our Lady of Calvary School in Philadelphia, Daniel will attend Archbishop Ryan High School in the fall. In addition to technology, STEM and AP classes, he looks forward to being on their bowling team, table tennis club and their Mathletes competition club, and is looking forward to making new friends and enjoying high school.

Daniel has a passion for mathematics. He explores his creative side by writing short stories and generating online “kahoot” quizzes about movies, sports and other interests. After Daniel graduates, he has visions of being a Math teacher and writer.

In addition to the National All Star trophy, Daniel received his fourth crystal award.

---

DANIEL WANG, Jr. - 2018 Champion

Left to right: First In Math creator Robert Sun, 2017-2018 First In Math Online Program National Champion DANIEL WANG, JR., and Sister Mildred Chesnavage, Principal of Our Lady of Calvary School.

PHILADELPHIA, PA—For the third year in a row, DANIEL WANG, JR. is the #1 First In Math player in the nation, all grades.

Daniel was honored at a lunch at PARC Restaurant in Philadelphia that included First In Math creator Robert Sun, Principal Sister Mildred Chesnavage, his father Daniel Wang, Sr., mom Stephanie and younger brother, Connor.

A student at Our Lady of Calvary School in Philadelphia, Daniel will be entering 8th grade in the fall. He will play next year, but hasn’t decided if he wants to compete for a Top Ten Award. Till then, he is certainly enjoying this year's success. "I'm really excited to win again, and this time my parents gave me a new cell phone, too!"

He loves reading and also enjoys bowling in a league with his Uncle John. Along with Math, Daniel is interested in Social Studies and learning about early American History—he also looks forward to some trips to amusement parks this summer!

Sun has high praise for the reigning champ. “Daniel’s accomplishment is extraordinary. Over the years we have had more than 10 million students use First In Math. There are nine students who have attained #1 status, and only two of them have held the title for three consecutive years. Daniel is in a truly rarified group—he is in the 0.00002%!”

In addition to the First In Math All Star trophy, Daniel received a custom crystal award.

---

Daniel Wang, Jr. - 2017 Champion

Congratulations to 2017 First In Math Online Program National Champion DANIEL WANG, JR.

PHILADELPHIA, PA—The 2016-2017 #1 First In Math player in the nation, all grades, is DANIEL WANG, JR—for the second year in a row! Daniel earned exactly 60,000 stickers in the quest for another First In Math National Championship.

Daniel is extremely proud that he has earned this award for the second straight year. "My strategy for winning the competition two years in a row was making sure to take my time to get as many stickers as I could in every game, especially the harder ones."

The dedicated sixth-grader attends Our Lady of Calvary School in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Outside of school, Daniel enjoys baseball and watching NASCAR races - and of course First In Math. "The music and sounds sync into the math games and makes them interesting to play, plus there are usually some new games every year. I also like that while some games are simple, others like Xtreme Algebra are challenging."

First In Math creator, Robert Sun, has high praise for the two-time champ “Young people like Daniel are the future of our nation, I'm sure he will do great things in the coming years.”

In addition to the First In Math All Star trophy, Wang will receive a Chromebook.

---

Daniel Wang, Jr. - 2016 Champion

Congratulations to 2016 First In Math Online Program National Champion DANIEL WANG, JR.

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Congratulations to the 2015-2016 #1 First In Math player in the nation, all grades, DANIEL WANG, JR! When the contest ended on April 29, he had earned a total of 55,695 stickers.

The dedicated fifth-grader attends Our Lady of Calvary School in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. A very hard worker who excels in all of his subjects, Daniel is an outstanding math student, according to his teachers.

This was Daniel’s first year at Our Lady of Calvary; he previously attended Philadelphia’s A. L. Fitzpatrick School and attained a FIM National Ranking of #2 in 2015 and #9 in 2014. Outside of school, Daniel enjoys baseball and watching NASCAR races.

“To win this award—especially at such a young age—takes incredible focus and great resolve, " says First In Math creator Robert Sun. “Young people like Daniel make me proud, and keep me hopeful for our nation’s future.”

Daniel’s father also participated in First In Math and was the #2 Family Link player! Together, Daniel and his father earned 110,394 stickers! In addition to the All Star trophy, Wang will receive an Apple iPod.

---

Albert Wang - 2015 Champion

Congratulations to 2015 National Champion ALBERT WANG.

WESTON, FL—The 2014/2015 #1 First In Math player in the nation, all grades, is ALBERT WANG! Wang earned 56,808 stickers—an incredible accomplishment—and received the coveted First In Math All Star Award. Wang's team, KUDO53FL, was ranked #5 in the nation. 

The talented fifth-grader attends perennial FIM powerhouse Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, Florida. His teacher, Lisa Weingartner, is extremely proud of Albert. "He has a passion for math, but he also plays the piano and is an exceptional composer, having won awards in both areas."

In addition to the All Star trophy, Wang will receive an iPod Touch, and meet FIM creator Robert Sun in person. "It will be an honor to meet Albert," says Sun. "Students who succeed at this level are dedicated, focused and have great resolve—qualities I greatly admire."

---

Josephine Nguyen - 2014 Champion

PHILADELPHIA, PA—For an unprecedented third year in a row, the #1 First In Math Online Program player in the Nation, all grades, is Josephine Nguyen! The St. Cecilia sixth-grader earned 60,821 stickers from September 2013 to April 2014—more than any student or teacher has ever earned.

Nguyen’s father Joseph watches as she plays “Into The Vortex” on the First In Math program website. Photo © Michael Bryant/Staff Photographer, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Nguyen was featured in a story published in The Philadelphia Inquirer, and has received the highest praise from Mary Cihak, her honors math teacher, and from FIM inventor Robert Sun himself. “One of the things that makes Josephine remarkable is that she played every module perfectly, managing to milk the maximum number of stickers from each one,” says Sun.

Next year, other players should take heart, because Nguyen is cutting them a break. She won’t try and win the FIM National All Star award four years in a row because, as she says with characteristic humility, “I want to give other kids a chance.”

---

Josephine Nguyen - 2013 Champion

PHILADELPHIA, PA—For the second year in a row, the 2012/2013 #1 First In Math player in the Nation, all grades, is Josephine Nguyen! As of April 30, Nguyen earned 51,456 stickers—the most ever earned in the program by a student. Nguyen topped nearly 1.5 million students competing this season.

FIM creator Robert Sun recently met with Nguyen and her family at his corporate offices in Easton, PA. Sun gave her two books that he says shaped his outlook about the path to success.

Last year, Nguyen was the youngest player ever to achieve the #1 National rank.  Now a fifth-grader, she attends St. Cecilia School, which is part of the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Teacher Mary Cihak says that other than asking questions about a few difficult games such as Area/Perimeter 2D, Nguyen worked hard on her own to earn every sticker. “Sometimes I am shocked at what she can do.”

Strategy is the key to becoming a top player, and First In Math’s ‘wheel’ games are an important part of the equation. “In the wheel games, you have to make 9 wheels on each play and earn the most stickers every time,” explains Nguyen.

Considering the fact that Nguyen spent an estimated 1,000 hours or more earning stickers, it would be easy to assume that math is her favorite subject, but she says that is not the case. “Spelling is my favorite subject,” she admits with a shy smile.

In addition to personal gifts from Sun, Nguyen again took home the FIM All Star Award and an Apple iPod, which she gave to her father to honor him on Father’s Day.

---

Josephine Nguyen - 2012 Champion

2012 National Champion Josephine Nguyen pictured with (l to r): Teacher Patricia Given; her father, Joseph; Robert Sun and Principal Sister Catherine Clark(Photo © Suntex Int. Inc.)

PHILADELPHIA, PA-The 2011/2012 #1 First In Math player in the Nation, all grades, is Josephine Nguyen! Nguyen earned an amazing 49,270 stickers-the most ever earned in the program by a student-besting her nearest competitor by nearly 2,000 stickers.

The focused fourth-grader has attended St. William Catholic Elementary School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since Kindergarten. She will attend St. Cecilia School next year. Nguyen, who was only nine when the contest ended in April, is the youngest player ever to achieve the #1 National rank. She was ranked 4th in the nation last year as a third-grader, and received a FIM All Star award.

She received an Apple iPod Touch, a book, a 24 Game pin and a special 24 Game Anniversary Edition signed by Robert Sun.

---

Yuriy Glukhov - 2011 Champion

2011 National Champion Yuriy Glukhov poses for a photo with Robert Sun.
(Photo © Suntex Int. Inc.)

Sixth-grader Yuriy Glukhov earned more than 47,500 stickers in the First In Math® Online Program en route to becoming the 2010/2011 Top Player in the Nation, All Grades. He outplayed more than one million students who participated during the school year.

Glukhov attends school at Greenview Upper Elementary School in Ohio's South Euclid-Lyndhurst City School District. Math Coordinator Annemarie Mockler says he is an incredibly dedicated student, and really enjoys the challenge First In Math provides.

Glukhov's parents, teachers and classmates applauded as he received the FIM All Star Award, a gold medal and 24® Game hat, as well as the Grand Prize, an Apple® iTouch.      

---

James O'Shea - 2010 Champion

2010 Champion James O'Shea is congratulated by Robert Sun. (Photo © Suntex Int. Inc.)

Eighth-grader James O'Shea outperformed his peers across the nation to claim the title of #1 Player in the First In Math® Online Program for the 2009-2010 school year! O'Shea was runner-up last year, and this is his third appearance in the National Top Ten. O'Shea received the Grand Prize-an Apple® iTouch-in addition to his National All Star award.

O'Shea, who attends St. Laurence School in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, built a considerable cushion and led the field for several months, amassing 42,000 stickers as of the April 30 First In Math competition deadline. "I was very determined to win and excited to start playing at the beginning of the year," says O'Shea, who adds that he is going to miss not playing First in Math next year.

O'Shea will attend Devon Preparotory School in the fall, and hopes to attend Princeton when he graduates high school.

---

Ao Kong - 2009 Champion

School-Based Teacher Leader Eleanor Castelberry, Robert Sun, Ao Kong, Principal Carol Domb and FIM Ambassador Cred Dobson. (Photo courtesy Matt Seaver-Studio XI Photography)

Eighth-grader Ao Kong outperformed more than 300,000 of her peers nationwide to claim the title of #1 Player, All Grades, in the First In Math® Online Program-AGAIN! Kong is the program's first two-time winner, scoring her victories back-to-back in the 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 school years. Kong, who attends General George A. McCall Elementary in the School District of Philadelphia's Central City Region, led the field for months, ending up with a whopping 44,860 stickers as of the April 30 First In Math "Top Ten" competition deadline.

When asked if she wanted a second Apple iTouch, the Grand Prize, Kong opted for something that would recognize her unique status as a two-time #1 Player instead. Kong was presented with a crystal award for 'Extraordinary Mathematics Achievement in the First In Math® Online Program.' The award, says Sun, almost does not seem enough. "I don't know if I can explain the staggering amount of effort, patience and perseverence that went into this achievement. Anyone who thinks this was easy should be aware of the fact that Ao solved approximately 135,000 math problems, up to and including two-step algebra, geometry and trigonometry, to earn the top spot."

This is the third year in a row Kong has achieved National All-Star status in the program. She is looking forward to attending Central High School in the Fall.

---

Ao Kong - 2008 Champion

Seventh-grader Ao Kong outperformed nearly 250,000 of her peers across the nation to claim the title of #1 Player in the First In Math® Online Program for the 2007-2008 school year! First In Math creator Robert Sun presented Kong with a "First In Math National All-Star" award, and the Grand Prize, an Apple iTouch®.

"During our conversation, Ao and I discovered some pretty amazing similarities," explains Sun, who met Kong at a special luncheon. "I moved to Philadelphia from Shanghai, China when I was nine, as did Ao. Both her parents are physicians, as were mine. I love chocolate, and my favorite color is blue," says Sun. "Me too," says Ao, momentarily flashing her trademark reserved smile.

According to McCall Elementary School-Based Teacher Leader Eleanor Castelberry and Principal Carol Domb, Ao is a great student in all subject areas, not just math. Ao's father says that his daughter was very determined, and spent hours on the computer every night. When asked if winning the Apple iTouch® was the motivation for her incredible achievement Ao answered, "No. I just wanted to be #1." She says she planned her strategy at the beginning of the school year, and never waivered.

Kong, who attends General George A. McCall Elementary in the School District of Philadelphia's Central City Region, led the field for several months, amassing 33,511 stickers as of the April 30 First In Math "Top Ten" competition deadline. She also achieved National All-Star status last year, finishing among the Top Ten players in the nation as a sixth-grader.

---

Hannah Sonsalla - 2007 Champion

Hannah Sonsalla held the rank of #1 player, ALL GRADES, for several months, prevailing over close to 200,000 1st- through 8th-grade students across the country. She ended the 2007 FIM season with 24,408 stickers-the most ever earned in the program-besting her nearest competitor by nearly 1,000 stickers.

Hannah attends Sandhill School in Stoughton, Wisconsin. She participates in many academic teams, including Knowledge Masters and 24 Challenge®. "Hannah is amazing at the 24® game, she knows each card as soon as it hits the table," says former teacher Lynda Oleinik, a Talented and Gifted Programming Specialist. At the district 24 Challenge® tournament, she easily won and advanced to the Greater Dane County tournament. There she met 4th graders from surrounding districts. "Kids learned quickly that if they were going to get a single card at a table where Hannah was playing, they had to tap in on the card and then hope to be able to give the final fact and solve the card. The same happened this year at the 5th grade tournament, where Hannah took almost every point available to her in the rounds."

The energetic fifth-grader balances her time between many other activities, including 4-H, piano and Girl Scouts.

---

Shonak Patel - 2006 Champion

Seventh-grader Shonak Patel of Nitschmann Middle School in Bethlehem, PA, grabbed the #1 spot nationally among ALL grades in the First In Math Online Program near the end of the 2006 season. Shonak amassed a total of 22,572 stickers. Only six students nationwide topped the 20,000-sticker mark during the 2005/2006 school year!

Shonak has a developmental disability called Asperger Syndrome, sometimes known as high-functioning autism. In 2005, he topped Carnegie Mellon University's summer math program for gifted students during a week-long contest. But he says the high point of his life was when 24® Game inventor Robert Sun sent him a personally-signed 24® game set during the 2006 school year.

"To succeed, you must play patiently," explains Shonak, "as it does not matter what rank you hold in the first few months!"

 

---

Vladamir Flys - 2005 Champion

Seventh-grader Vladamir Flys achieved celebrity status as a national math superstar with the First In Math® Online Program. Flys looked stunned as he was awarded a gold medal in front of two TV news cameras for becoming the #1 student in the entire nation-all grades. Flys surpassed more than 105,000 elementary and middle school students currently competing in the program in 25 states.

He found his inspiration after reading a front-page article on First In Math awards presented to a Philadelphia fifth-grader. "I thought I could still make it to #1 on First In Math, which I liked so much. So for a month, sometimes 7 hours a night, I played and played until I beat him," Flys exclaimed.

Born in the Ukraine, Flys' family moved to the United States almost two years ago, after living in Argentina for about ten years. Fluent in Ukrainian, Russian and Spanish, Flys is currently an ESL (English as a Second Language) student, and he strives to succeed in not only mathematics, but in other subjects at Baldi MIddle School in Philadelphia.

---