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(CNN) - A student from Florida obsessed with the University of Tennessee wanted to represent Volunteers, as college supporters are known, during the "College Color Day" of their elementary school, but had no such clothing university, so he took matters into his own hands.
Laura Snyder, her teacher at Altamonte Elementary School in Altamonte Springs, says she drew a “UT,” the university's logo, on paper and placed it on an orange t-shirt.
"When the day finally came, I was so excited to show me his shirt," Snyder wrote on Facebook on Wednesday. "I was impressed that he took a step further to create his own label."
But at lunchtime, Vols's energetic fan was crying.
“Some girls at the lunch table next to his (who didn't even participate in the day of the colors of the university) made fun of his shirt. I was devastated, ”said Snyder.
Hoping to cheer him up, Snyder said he planned to buy an official shirt from the University of Tennessee and asked his friends if they had contacts with the institution that could "make it a little more special for him."
By Thursday, his Facebook post had gone viral among Vols fans, and many people left supporting comments. And it was not long before the University of Tennessee approached to send the student a care package full of products and clothing.
"You have all taken this beyond what you had ever imagined," Snyder wrote.
Synder updated the Facebook post on Friday so everyone knows how excited the student was to receive the gift package.
"My student was so amazed at everyone in the box," he said. “He proudly put on his shirt and one of the many caps in the box. Everyone who saw had goosebumps or tears as we explained that he had inspired and touched the lives of so many people. ”
In addition, the University of Tennessee said it was turning its “UT” design into an official t-shirt.
“Share the pride of a Florida elementary student by also wearing their design on their shirt!”, The official university campus store posted on Twitter.
According to the university, a portion of the income from each shirt sold will go to a school anti-bullying foundation.
"When I told him that his design was becoming a real shirt and people wanted to wear it, his jaw dropped," Snyder said. "He had a big smile on his face, he walked higher, and I could say that his confidence grew today!"
You asked for it, and @UTVolShop made it happen. 🍊👊 https://t.co/nBGYmyooC1
- UT Knoxville (@UTKnoxville) September 6, 2019
Although Snyder kept the student's photo and name private, he shared a note written by his mother on Facebook.
“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. Every comment, article submitted and action taken on behalf of my son will never be forgotten and I hope it will serve as an inspiration for him throughout his life, ”said his mother.
The demand for the student's shirt was so high on Saturday that the University of Tennessee online store collapsed.
Randy Boyd, interim president of the university, even intervened, tweeted that he was "moved" by the student's story and "loved his imagination behind the design of his own shirt."
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