KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Pride of the Southland Marching Band eschewed its more formal attire and instead wore T-shirts made to honor a Florida boy bullied for his homemade University of Tennessee design.
The 350-member band wore the shirts, which the school made in homage to the elementary school student, Saturday during the Volunteers' home opener against Chattanooga, The Knoxville News reported.
Proud to be a part of a great cause. Go Vols! https://t.co/1xDTSKgiYw
— UT Bands (@potsband) September 14, 2019
Not having any Volunteers apparel, the boy drew a large U and T on a piece of paper and pinned it to an orange shirt to show his support of Rocky Top during an elementary school spirit day.
His homemade design inspired university officials to create a version of the shirt. Sales were so popular it crashed the school shop website. All proceeds from sales of the shirt go to Stomp Out Bullying, a charity that works to prevent bullying. Deliveries of the shirt are expected to go out later this month.
Officials also offered the boy a four-year scholarship to the school.
Cox Media Group
