It all started as a gag in 1954, when charter PPA member Gordon Brown appeared at breakfast wearing a particularly garish-looking Hawaiian shirt, giving rise to many disparaging remarks. He stripped off the shirt and “awarded” it to his loudest critic, A.R. Van Horne, with the provision that he present it to another “deserving” member at the next meeting.
That same shirt, now bearing the signatures of each member receiving the award, is presented at the Annual Meeting to a member who, in the opinion of the current president, typifies the spirit of the Plastics Pioneers. Wendy Hoenig at right is showing the long list of past members who bear the legacy of the shirt.
Jo Nell Kelly passed the MTS to the amazing duo of Sal and Erika Monte for 2025. First time in our history that the shirt has to be shared, but this couple are two peas in a pod.
The "Much Traveled" Shirt
Sal and Erika Monte - MTS 2025 Recipient