'Danny Appreciation Day' Inspires Thousands Across the Country
Students choose to stand up to bullying by supporting peer
A peewee football team in Massachusetts decided to take a stand against bullying in a big way. After noticing that 6-year-old Danny Keefe was being bullied, 11-year-old Tommy Cooney took action and organized "Danny Appreciation Day" in his honor; it's a day that Keefe will probably remember the rest of his life.
It all started when Cooney noticed that Keefe was consistently being picked on for wearing a suit and tie every day and speaking with some difficulty. Cooney decided to do something for the young boy, who served as the water boy for the peewee football team. He organized "Danny Appreciation Day" and told the entire team about it, in the hope that they would join in. For one day, the team all wore suits and ties to school, and several other students decided to join in as well. In all, approximately 40 youth participated in the day, making it all the more special for Keefe.
"He's such a good person," Cooney told WCVB News. "He doesn't let it bother him. He goes on with his day. He's a 6-year-old kid. We should all respect that."
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The story has made national news and brings to mind the story of a junior varsity football team in Michigan who rallied together to allow a teammate to score his first touchdown. The teammates united and got as far as the one-yard line before telling Keith Orr to suit up and score the touchdown.
"It's just like to make someone's day, make someone's week, just make them happy," player Justice Miller told CBS.
"Look at what happened from one person," Jennifer Keefe told The Enterprise of Cooney's actions. "You all have this in you. You can pay it forward. If you ever have the opportunity to stick up for someone or be their friend, you should do that."
As for Danny Keefe? He's just enjoying what he called "the best day ever."
