A Florida boy who was bullied for his homemade T-shirt representing the University of Tennessee football team has had his hand-drawn design made official by the university after fellow fans rallied in support.
When the elementary student created a "U.T." - the university's logo - on paper and pinned it to an orange t-shirt for his school's College Colours Day last month, he was "so excited" to show it off, posted his teacher Laura Snyder on Facebook.
But the fourth-grader, who wasn't named, was then reportedly laughed at by a group of girls - causing him to end up "devastated" and in tears.
"After lunch, he came back to my room, put his head on his desk and was crying," Ms Snyder wrote.
The boy was bullied for his DIY design but he soon had the last laugh. Source: Facebook
"I know kids can be cruel, I am aware that it’s not the fanciest sign, BUT this kid used the resources he had available to him to participate in a spirit day."
The social media post soon went viral with thousands of people leaving supportive comments.
And it wasn't long before the University of Tennessee reached out wanting to send the student a care package full of branded apparel and merchandise.
When the goodies arrived on Friday, his teacher captured the moment on camera and shared the news online.
"My student was so amazed at all the goodies in the box," she said.
"All who saw had either goosebumps or tears while we explained that he had inspired and touched the lives of so many people.
The university's campus store also announced it would be printing his design on a batch of T-shirts and donating the proceeds to an anti-bullying foundation.
The university sent a surprise package of apparel to the student after hearing his story. Source: Facebook
"When I told him that his design was being made into a real shirt and people wanted to wear it, his jaw dropped. He had a big smile on his face, walked taller, and I could tell his confidence grew today!"
Demand for the student's T-shirt was so high on Saturday that it crashed University of Tennessee's online shop.
The product can be pre-ordered with delivery expected at the end of the month.
Ms Snyder updated her Facebook post with a note written by the boy's mother, who thanked people for their support.
"I am overwhelmed by the love I feel from this extended community and the pride I feel for my son and for being a VFL," she said.
The boy shared the merchandise with his classmates. Source: Facebook
"Every comment, item sent, and action taken on behalf of my son will never be forgotten and hopefully will serve as inspiration for him throughout his life."
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