Way back in 2001, two 6th grade students, Kyle P. and Peter J., had an idea that the 6th grade should go see the New York Mets play. They brought their idea to Mr. Perna who very nicely declined them. Since the 6th grade at that time was working on persuasive writing, the boys were encouraged to try again, and they wrote Mr. Perna a letter explaining the benefits of the trip. In their letter, the boys explained how their teachers would incorporate baseball into their math, science, reading and social studies, and they also offered that the classes would do all the fund-raising for the trip so that it wouldn't cost the school anything! Well, their letter worked. They had persuaded Mr. Perna, and the Mets trip was born!

To help with their fund-raising, Sports Night was created. Sports Night has become the major fund-raiser for the trip as well as providing one of the most entertaining nights at Montauk School. That was 15 years ago, and the trip is still going strong!

Some of the outcomes and highlights of Kyle and Peter's idea and perseverance:

• The Montauk School 5th and 6th grade chorus sang the National Anthem at Citi Field 5 years in a row!!
• The 5th and 6th grade chorus sang during warm-ups at Shea Stadium in 2006.
• Mr. Salmon's jersey was retired at Sports Night in 2014.
• Grand Marshal, Mr. Perna, was paraded around the gym by bagpipers at Sports Night 2013.
• The 5th and 6th grades have fund-raised every dollar spent on the trip!!
• Movie Night and Sports Night were created.
• The 2014 chorus met David Wright right before they sang!
• For 14 straight years, the 5th and 6th grades have fund-raised ALL the money need for the trips!!