When John Early Middle School students returned for the start of the 2024 school year, they were met with a surprise that quickly captured hearts nationwide: 100 pairs of brand-new Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, courtesy of their teacher, Makayla Nash.
The August giveaway, which went viral on social media, showcased Nash’s deep commitment to her students’ well-being. “The joy of seeing their faces makes it all worth it,” she said after the donation.
Nash works with Metro Nashville Public Schools, focusing on students who face some of the toughest challenges — from poverty and homelessness to single-parent households. With families living on less than $18,500 a year, name-brand shoes and clothing often feel out of reach.
But for kids, Nash noticed, those details mattered. She saw students missing school or struggling with behavior because they didn’t feel confident in what they were wearing. Growing up in similar circumstances, Nash understood the pain — and decided to do something about it.
In December 2022, Nash launched Drip Drive, a nonprofit that turns school gyms into mini shopping experiences, allowing kids to choose brand-name clothes and accessories at no cost.
She partnered with JD Sports and Finish Line for this year’s sneaker drop. When she first called to place a bulk order, she didn’t expect what happened next: a Finish Line area manager donated all 100 pairs. Nash handpicked the sizes herself and chose the classic white Air Force 1s — a neutral style that she says “levels the playing field” among students.
This isn’t the first time Nash has gifted sneakers — it’s the second year in a row she’s been able to give her students Air Force 1s. But her vision goes beyond footwear. Since launching, Drip Drive has donated over 1,500 clothing items, with support from local celebrities, professional athletes, and even the Tennessee Titans.
Nash has also shared her idea with state lawmakers and recently expanded the program to Dayton, Ohio, with plans for more cities.
For her, the mission is simple: help kids feel like they belong.
“Clothing shouldn’t be the reason a student stays home or feels less than,” Nash says. “When they feel good about themselves, everything else follows.”
