(WTVF) — The University of Tennessee offered admission and a four-year scholarship to a young Vols fan in Florida who was bullied for his homemade T-shirt.
"In recognition of the fourth-grader’s Volunteer spirit, the university has extended an offer of admission for him to join the Class of 2032," UT said on Thursday. "In addition, he has been awarded a four-year scholarship covering his tuition and fees beginning fall 2028 should he decide to attend UT and meet admission requirements."
Last week, the story of the fourth-grader from Altamonte Springs, Florida went viral after his teacher posted to Facebook that he was bullied for his shirt.
It was "College Colors Day" at school, but the young fan didn't own any UT apparel so he drew a "U.T." on paper and pinned it to an orange T-shirt.
During lunchtime, classmates made fun of him for his sign, devastating the young fan.
Not long after his story went viral, the university reached out to his teacher wanting to send him a care package full of swag and apparel.
So impressed with his Vols spirit, UT turned his design into an official T-shirt, donating a portion of the proceeds to anti-bullying foundation Stomp Out Bullying.
Within days, the campus bookstore received more than 50,000 orders for the shirt. Demand was so high the store's website crashed over the weekend.
University officials have been in contact with the boy's mother, who said the family is deeply touched by the overwhelming support from people around the world.
