Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell had a special surprise for graduates of Classical Studies Magnet Academy, located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, at its recent graduation ceremony.
As the eighth graders of the Class of 2020, moving on to high school, came off of the stage at the drive-in graduation in a state Mitchell spent many of his formative years, they found a special gift waiting for them: Each graduate got two pairs of Mitchell’s Adidas shoes, the D.O.N Issue #1s, courtesy of the NBA All-Star.
“This is something that he will inspire other children to just keep on moving forward, no matter what’s happening around you. You just keep moving forward,” Mitchell’s mom, Nicole, told PIX11 News.
Donovan Mitchell gifted dozens of Connecticut graduates w/ his shoes at their ceremony. Many of them didn't even realize the gift was from @spidadmitchell until I told them. #NBA @PIX11News pic.twitter.com/76Sv7asshr
— Justin Walters (@JustinWaltersTV) June 17, 2020
Mitchell has become famous for giving away a pair of his shoes after warmups every game. In 2019, Adidas launched his signature shoe line, the D.O.N. Issue #1s. His new model., the D.O.N. Issue #2, is set to hit shelves this summer.
🕷👀 #DONISSUE2 COMING THIS SUMMER. @adidasHoops @NBA2K #HOMETEAM #CreatedWithAdidas pic.twitter.com/dHfAm0Xz2I
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) April 11, 2020
Kids beamed as they got to pick out their shoes following the ceremony.
“This is an amazing opportunity. This is everything that Donovan stands for in his shoe, D.O.N. Issue #1, determination over negativity,” Nicole Mitchell said.