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Subscribe to RSSWhitney Kropp, the teen who was elected to the court as a hurtful prank by classmates, attended the homecoming dance in West Branch, Michigan, wearing a donated dress as her entire town rallied around her. NBC's Kevin Tibbles reports.
In a red, ruffled dress and flowers in her hair, Whitney Kropp, the Michigan high school student picked by her classmates to be on her school’s homecoming court as a prank, took to her school’s football stadium Friday for the ceremony.
“I had thoughts about not coming, but you know what, I’m glad I changed my mind and actually came out,” Kropp told NBC News.
Kropp's appearance was met with thunderous applause and camera flashes from her fellow students at Ogemaw Heights High School in West Branch, Mich., and even members of the opposing team.
John M. Galloway / AP
Whitney Kropp, third from left, waits for the ceremony to begin at Ogemaw Heights High School's homecoming football game on Friday.
At Kropp’s side was Josh Awrey, the class of 2015’s male representative, the Bay City Times reported.
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After the ceremony, Kropp, who said she had been bullied throughout her time in high school, told reporters that she was glad she decided to remain on the court.
“I’m overwhelmed," Kropp said. "I’m so happy – this is so much right now for me. The school is fantastic they treated me so well."
'Easy target'
Kropp said last month she was initially surprised to learn that her classmates nominated her to be in the running for her school’s homecoming queen. But she said she soon felt humiliated and betrayed when she found out that it was all a joke.
John M. Galloway / AP
Sophomore homecoming representatives Whitney Kropp and Josh Awrey give each other a hug during the homecoming ceremony on the Ogemaw Heights High School football field on Friday.
“People had bullied on me, I guess, for my looks, how I did my hair, how I dress, my height, so I guess they thought, you know, maybe someone that is different is someone that’s an easy target,” Kropp said.
But, Kropp said she pulled through with the support of her mother and the rest of the town.
"You want to protect your kid, and you feel angry and mad at what has happened, but at the same time the outpouring to help her has been beyond expected," Kropp's mother Bernice Kropp said.
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Word spread quickly through the community of about 2,100 residents in West Branch. Resident Jamie Kline started a Facebook support page, gaining more than 4,000 likes in Michigan and nationwide. Personal stories of bullying and messages of encouragement filled the page.
A salon owner in West Branch donated service to cut, color and style Kropp's hair, and other local businesses paid for her dinner, gown, shoes and tiara for the dance.
Sophomore student Whitney Kropp never saw herself as part of the "in" crowd at her high school, so she was surprised to find out she was voted to homecoming court. It turned out to be a prank, but now the community is rallying behind Whitney to show their support for her. NBC's Kevin Tibbles reports.
Before the game, a local company even made T-shirts in support of Kropp in her favorite color, orange, adding to the messages of encouragement that Kropp says helped her prevail.
John M. Galloway / AP
Kristy Erway, Hannah Gebnard, and Paige Sharp of Cadillac High School hang a banner in support of Whitney Kropps in West Branch, Mich., on Friday.
“The kids that are bullying you do not let them bring you down," she said. "Stand up for what you believe in, and go with your heart and go with your gut. That’s what I did and look at me now. I’m just as happy as can be.”
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People can be so mean, as they jump on the bandwagon of idiots. This time it backfired! Great for Whitney. She looks stunningly gorgeous; a proper Homecoming Queen. She is a Beautiful young Lady, who the world now knows. Just think, she can share her experience and be the hope of other young ladies and girls. She is a valuable commodity: as a Speaker, Book deals, and join the speaking circuit and an inspirational personality, speaking at schools, youth groups, and youth events encouraging young people not the external speak for the internal. Good for you Whitney.
Well all I know is she is one Hot! Beautiful girl these idiot billies will be looking back on what they did years from now and think Oh mY! I was a total dirt bag and lowest scum on earth and be very sorry for what they did.I predict her to have a wonderful life after this and probably will meet the love of her life and look back at all this and probably forgive those idiots.
Good for Whitney. All of the Primadonna's that are out their are suffering from some sort of self conflict which causes them to lash out at others who shine from within. There is too much emphasis on looks, clothes and material things in our young adults. Todays children need to keep in mind that everyone has suffered at some point in their life with low self esteem, wearing hand me down, no name brand clothing and not being included in things. They need to get back to the basics of upbringing and embrace their friends and fellow classmates, accepting everyone for who they are and being greatful that there is such a wonderful mix of race, religions and appearances out there. That is what educates our children today by giving them real life experiences to deal with and navigate thru. Whitney has re-affirmed that beauty comes from within and and can outshine anyone or anything when one believes. Whitney will go far in life and look back and remember this one hurdle in life and thank God that she was chose to deal with it because it has made her an even better person than those that were not so humble.
Great Job Whitney!!! this type of stuffs goes unchecked by our school administration way to often!
Rich kids and mean kids are being allowed to do and say anything they want to and i for one say it is time to put a stop to it. It starts at such a very young age also, in my daughters case kindergarten!!! can you believe that? They are young enough that you know that it is coming from the home and out of they mouths of the parents. It is not enough that you dress your child in the nice or popular items but kids are allowed to believe that theirs are better because of where theirs was purchased. One of our problems in this world today is how materialistic and vain people have gotten!!! and why are we passing these bad habits onto our children instead of modesty, SHAME ON THEM!!!!!!!! How about we start being parents instead of trying to buy our children's love, and teaching them right from wrong....
I absolutely have ZERO tolerance for bullies. Nobody deserves to be bullied. I hope this young lady understands that her bullies are in a minority. I am proud of the community for showing her support. Good Luck young lady. You have your whole life ahead of you. Make something of your self. You can do it.
See what happens when you treat someone bad kids (and adults)? She became the star, and you became the floor sweepings. What goes around, comes around, remember that. You've just learned an important life lesson, and that is to treat others with respect.
Looks like the jokes on the bullies! They must feel about a foot tall right now!
GOV-ISSUES ~ You said they should not be allowed to participate in any of the activities? I think they should put a spotlight on those nasty kids....... Let the town see/know just who did this unthinkable thing.......
The US has become so weak since the fags took over hollywood.
Hollywood hell, they took over the USA.
Jealous???
She is beautiful inside and out. With that tall lean stature and pretty face she should consider modeling. THAT would give her the last laugh!
They say kids can be cruel sometimes. But they learn it somewhere, don't they? Some people just 'think' they are better than someone else. It's either money, social status, or ego that makes them think like they do. Mostly, they are just pathetic, morally bankrupt, losers that need to belittle someone else so they can feel good about themselves. Very 'low class' behavior by these alleged 'high class' jerks. I'm glad to see this kid step up and blast the bullies as it were.
Beautiful and courageous young lady. All the best to you.
I'm almost 60 and it has taken me a long time to get over the bullying I endured in high school. I say Hooray for you! You are beautiful and couragous, your life will unfold so much better than the mean people who tried to put you down. What goes around, comes around, there is a balance in everything and the universe levels it out. Taking the high road is never wrong, at the time it may be hard and it may seem you are worse off because of it, but in time, you will shine! Rock On!!!
You know, I have seen lots of coverage and pictures of this poor girl. What I would love to be flashed across the internet is pictures of the bullies that did it to her. Maybe if they got some attention, it would be a way of telling other bullies across this country that "We have had enough". I was bullied in High School and I must say that my heart goes out to this girl. Something needs to be done. Make bullies become public images.
I have always told my kids . Do you know what bullies call geeks later in life ............. BOSS
Anyone know the names of the bullies? I've yet to read about even one name.
Great for her. Does not matter where you r, people bullied you because you r better than them for everything. Same as me, at work few people bullying me because most of patients love me because the way I treat them with my respect. Stand yourself for what you believe. Good luck to you.
I gotta say; I can completely relate to her story... But its not about me; 1st off... She is a beautiful young lady, 2nd.... When are we all going to move off this topic, bulling starts AT HOME, parents need to teach their kids right from wrong-ALL PARENTS!!! All it takes is one wrench in the engine to blow it... You get one kid saying something, then another, and another... All parents need to be on the same page as this "WE ARE ALL THE SAME, SOME ARE DIFFERENT, SOME OF US HAVE MONEY, SOME OF US DO NOT, NONE OF US LOOK THE SAME, DRESS THE SAME, OR EVEN ACT THE SAME... THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT LOVE THE SAME SEX, THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT LOVE THE OPPOSITE SEX... EVEN THOUGH WE MAY FEEL A CERTAIN WAY, WE NEED TO KEEP IT TO OURSELVES-MOVE ON AND LET THAT PERSON BE-BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT WE ALL ARE.... PEOPLE!!!!" WHY is it so hard to convey THAT simple message to your kids???? WHY do we spew nothing but HATE toward one another??? Children LEARN what they see and hear; our country is in rough shape, our world is in rough shape... Why spend SO MUCH time on HATE??? Or DISLIKE??? Why can't we all just accept the fact that NO ONE PERSON is alike??? We are all gods children, like it or not, stuck on this rotating ball to live together... WHY can't we just have PEACE, LOVE, and HAPPINESS???? Now; I will take myself down off my soap box and say GOOD FOR YOU GIRL!!! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL; INSIDE AND OUT!!! :)
She is so much more beautiful than all of those bullies with their prefect little existances. Whitney, you will prevail
over all of them. After high school they are nothing because now they are in a much bigger pond, and have to learn to survive with out their little friends to stick up for them. Karma is always on your side and they will get what is coming to them. I was teased for various reasons also and my bully ended up being chubby at our senior prom. Karma is a wonderful thing!! Seen it first hand!
Glad she found support, but who was named Homecoming Queen?
Bullying is nothing but being a coward
Good for her!
Carrie's Revenge!
Such a great story! Living well is the best revenge, and this young lady ROCKED living well and class.
This is great for her. The kind of strength she has shown will be important for her to have the rest of her life. I am an older male and I was bullied but I did not show that kind of strength and have been a failure in life because of it. Her strength will be her success!