Justin O'Shea came from behind in the final days of the competition to claim the title of #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!
2020 First In Math® Online Program Champion, All Grades, Justin O'Shea.
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."
For more information on the First in Math competition, visit firstinmath.com. View the 2019-2020 Winners.