Education

Bullied Teen ‘Honored’ at Support She Received After Cruel Homecoming Prank: ‘Happy As Can Be’

Bullied Whitney Kropp Happy As Community Supports Her After Homecoming Prank

Kristy Erway, Hannah Gebnard, and Paige Sharp of Cadillac H.S. hang a banner in support of Whitney Kropps, in West Branch, Mich. Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. (Photo: AP)

(TheBlaze/AP) — A Michigan community cheered on a 16-year-old sophomore – the victim of an apparent prank by classmates – as she took her place with other members of her high school’s homecoming court.

Whitney Kropp was escorted by her father and grandfather onto the Ogemaw Heights High School football field Friday night in West Branch, about 140 miles northwest of Detroit, after finding out her classmates decided to nominate her as a prank.

“Every girl looks forward to being on that homecoming court and for her name to be called,” hairstylist Shannon Champagne, who did Kropp’s hair, commented. “For her to be so excited about that and then just to find out that it was all just a joke, it just — it really touched me.”

Bullied Whitney Kropp Happy As Community Supports Her After Homecoming Prank

Whitney Kropp, third from left, waits for the ceremony to begin, Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. (Photo: AP)

Kropp’s story soon sparked national interest and on Friday, residents and business owners turned out to the game to show their support and help take a stand against bullying.

Orange T-shirts – Kropp’s favorite color – have been sold with the slogan “It’s not cool to be cruel.”

“It’s just so much right now for me,” Kropp said Friday night. “I had thoughts about not coming but I actually changed my mind and came out. I just thought maybe I won’t have fun. But I’m having a lot of fun right now.”

Bullied Whitney Kropp Happy As Community Supports Her After Homecoming Prank

(Photo: AP)

She added: “I thought before, ‘Oh, no one cares about me…I thought not even my own brother and sister care. But they’re proving me they do care. The world is proving they do, well not really care about me, but they care about the situation. So I’m happy. I’m really honored.”

In fact, according to CNN, Kropp’s sister was one of the first people to spread the word about the situation.

“I told her … you’ve got the courage, you’ve got the strength to go do it, so go do it and have fun,” Alivia Kropp explained.

CNN has more, including video of the ceremony:

Kropp’s gown, jewelry, shoes, hair styling and makeup were donated by the community.

“The kids that are bullying, do not let them bring you down,” the girl told reporters. “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.”

Many in the stands, even students from visiting Cadillac, wore orange, as did Kropp.

“It wasn’t right what they did to her,” said Alexis Dahlstrom, a 16-year-old Cadillac junior. “We wanted her to know that there are people out there who support her.”

Bullied Whitney Kropp Happy As Community Supports Her After Homecoming Prank

This Sept. 19, 2012 photo shows Whiney Kropp at her home in Alger, Mich. after her story was picked up by the media. (Photo: AP)

Dahlstrom and her friends learned about Kropp’s story on Facebook.

“Whitney is strong. I don’t know that I would have had the courage to go,” 15-year-old Ogemaw Heights sophomore Heather Oyster said.

Ogemaw Heights won the homecoming game, 24-21, over Cadillac.

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Comments (110)

  • BLACKDIAMONDSKIER
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 10:24pm

    This story is not about bullying. This story is about love and kindness. Treating others like you would want to be treated is the greatest gift you could ever give. My hat is off to the community for showing that life is so much better when lived with love towards others. The difference between love and hate seem to be amplified in simple “bullying” situations like this. The kids that did this may be simply writing it off as a “joke”, but the question remains….how much emptiness and darkness must exist in ones heart to receive joy out of trying to hurt or embarass someone else? Darkness never allows one to see themselves in the shoes of another.

    Report this comment

    BLACKDIAMONDSKIER  
    • tommysoap
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 10:36pm

      Actually if you read the ABC news story, this girl wanted to kill herself because some kids called her nomination to the homecoming court a joke…Really? Are we raising kids to be this kind of WIMPS? There is nothing to be proud of with this girl, she is a baby, in a society that makes shallow, insecure, fragile wussies into heros….sad!

      Report this comment

      tommysoap  
    • BLACKDIAMONDSKIER
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 11:04pm

      Weakness can manifest itself in many ways…..not the least of which can be clearly seen in individuals who point it out in others.

      Report this comment

      BLACKDIAMONDSKIER  
    • vamom2
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 11:12pm

      @ TOMMYSOAP. Evidently, you don’t have children based on your comment. You have absolutely no right, as an “adult”(if you are indeed an adult), to make those types of comments regarding her character. It is indeed a very sad day when a teenager feels that the only way to deal with a situation is to take their own life. I wouldn’t wish that on any family. It happens WAY too often today. You must lead a very sad, lonely, bitter life. What a shame.

      Report this comment

      vamom2  
    • rickg62
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 11:14pm

      Tommysoap: maybe you were with the “in crowd” and could care less. This has gone on for years. When I was a kid i was picked on because I was the new kid in town and I stuttered. Back in the late fifties and early sixties you could literally fight your way in, which I did. Nowadays that’s not an option as you’d be the one in trouble. Glad to see people stood up for her. So please go crawl back under your rock.

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      rickg62  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 11:25pm

      I had to check this out to be sure, it’s very similar to a situation with someone I know, there were pranks between her and a group of senior boys (close friends in jr high), she won 1 so they nominated her for homecoming queen and she made the top 3 run-off as the prank. The School Superintendent warned her, but she had many friends among the freshmen and sophmores, they were enlisted and the prank blew up in the boys faces when she got a very presentable amount of votes but not quite enough for queen. 2 to 1 and the boys were still trying at graduation but it went back into a friendly rivalry with their group and hers being equally accepted by the student body.

      Report this comment

      Mil Mom  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 11:29pm

      You’re so right, what bullies want more than anything is to see their victim turn and run from fear or humiliation, usually recruiting others to make fun of the reaction. Whitney was awesome in actually standing up to them, and her supporters did just what the world needs to do when someone is bullying someone else; DON’T LET THEM ISOLATE THEM, JOIN FORCES AND THE BULLIES ARE NEUTRALIZED! We proved this in WWII.

      Report this comment

      Mil Mom  
    • BloodSweatandTears
      Posted on September 30, 2012 at 1:49am

      @Tommysoap Remember when you were young and the hormones were raging? When not all you thought made a lot of sense….sure there may be a few wimps being formed but why not give ‘em a break when youth has so much coming at them? Heard today at church a mother was inadvertently given a break down of the days activities for her preschooler…including asking the children to define and redefine their sexual orientation…preschool! robbing your child’s’ innocence.

      Report this comment

      BloodSweatandTears  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on September 30, 2012 at 5:17am

      tommysoap
      If she wanted to kill herself she’d be dead. She just wanted to get even by making the people who tried to make her feel crappy about herself feel as crappy she felt, and it worked. There’s nothing wrong with that. Revenge is good.

      Report this comment

      Chet Hempstead  
    • TruthMonkey
      Posted on September 30, 2012 at 7:30am

      @Tommysloap (not misspelled)’

      On one thing you are correct no one should want to kill themselfs over dumb sh*ts like you.

      You are the wussie. You hide behind a keyboard and dont have to face your real failures. You are a complete looser. You need a lesson and I’m sure you will get it with such a low IQ. Not sure of your gender but would guess it really dosnt matter because a moron is a moron. I would have to think you are the result of inbreeding (that means your your parents are brother and sister). Thought I had to exsplain that to such a simple minded dumb azz. Now I no its hard for you to process this but maybe you can ask one of your breeder family to expain it or maybe not. Im Sure daddy has the same or lower IQ and momma si to busey working the corner.

      Report this comment

      TruthMonkey  
    • skippy6
      Posted on September 30, 2012 at 8:40am

      @tommysoap

      You are Ill!!! please seek help before you hurt yourself!!!!

      Report this comment

      skippy6  
    • Hugh Williams
      Posted on September 30, 2012 at 9:17am

      Tommy….Tommy…Tommy Have you ever heard the old saying; If you can’t something nice don’t say anything? Why did you think it was necessary to call a 16 year old girl a baby, shallow, insecure, fragile wussie? I hope Whinney Kropp knows your opinion of her means nothing. What is truly sad is people like you that bully and hurt others to make themselves feel better….. you are sad!

      Report this comment

      Hugh Williams  
    • mr.goodvibe
      Posted on September 30, 2012 at 12:11pm

      I remember homecoming, I had two differrent girls ask me out, I really did not like either one but was never mean to them, I had two after school jobs and was not going to make it but we all hooked up at the after party, I already had the fire roaring and a good time was had by all. Most kids in my school did not care about theis whole phony royalty crap. I hope the actions of her class mates who supported her shows her that there is some kindness in the world and that she realizes that after school all of the pagentry does not mean a thing.

      Report this comment

      mr.goodvibe  
    • RAMJR
      Posted on September 30, 2012 at 2:31pm

      When you have a society, that looks at weakness as strength, you have fools running and ruining this country.
      Morality and commonsense is of a value seldom seen many times, with the mindset of this world.
      Bullies, and those of the mindset that this creates strength, don’t even see how weak they are in any value to this world. That has come about by taking God out of our lives, and putting self in.
      It takes an inner strength in us to confront the value this world lives by, looks over heart. In direct conflict with what Jesus explain is what God truly looks at, knowing all things about us.
      Restitution is called for, in righteous judgement, by God. I hope those that were part of this prank get set right by their parents and the community. The harm, that could have been caused by this, could have haunted those who caused this, the rest of their days in regret. Thank God some took a stand to show true value, and not mindless stupidity which seems to get rewarded to many times these days. Maybe an aspect of the great awakening I hope that is going on within many. God Bless.

      Report this comment

      RAMJR  
    • Hugh Williams
      Posted on September 30, 2012 at 8:08pm

      Tommy
      You hurled insults at a 16 years old girl today and you wussed out at responding to anyone that commented to your comment. You described yourself when you talked about her; shallow, insecure, fragile wuss. Way to go dude!

      Report this comment

      Hugh Williams  
    • Al Gator
      Posted on September 30, 2012 at 9:00pm

      Jumping Hesus on a freakin pogo stick! What pathetic, poor whimpers we have here.

      I was raised and beaten by a Scottish granny. I’d cry about the bullies.

      I got beat.

      And all the while she would tell me to go back out and win or lose, give em hell. Her words still ring in me ears: “STICKS AN STONES CAN BREAK ME BONES, BUT NAMES SHALL NE’RA HURT ME!

      Today, you can call me anything and/or everything like. I’ll laugh in yer face, mind ya, an dish back more then ye can endure.

      But come at me with a stick er a stone, I’ll break YER freakin bones!

      Report this comment

      Al Gator  
    • MEANS2RESIST
      Posted on October 1, 2012 at 12:32am

      The dude that bullied us back in the day stopped it when I slammed a baseball bat over his head. Luckily for him, he was wearing his dirtbike helmet as he skidded up on us walking to the park to play baseball… If he hadn’t been wearing it I probably would.ve killed him, but it did RING HIS BELL ..Bullies, watch out who you bully!

      Report this comment

      MEANS2RESIST  
    • muffythetuffy
      Posted on October 1, 2012 at 1:47am

      SHE IS CATHOLIC

      So that is why she was bullied. She must be Pro-Life and refused to support abortion at the high school. She is blond and attractive so why would she be bullied. It must have been her religion.

      Report this comment

      muffythetuffy  
    • Copper Catfish
      Posted on October 1, 2012 at 9:25am

      Tommysoap was likely one of the bullies in high school. He is STILL a bully, with his name-calling.

      Report this comment

      Copper Catfish  
  • Cruisema
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 10:01pm

    I saw a few incorrect stories on here. Here is the correct story: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120929/METRO/209290358/1409/METRO/West-Branch-cheers-teen-s-homecoming-triumph
    They, the students, voted her on the the Court as a joke because she was not popular. They tried to embarass her but it backfired!

    Report this comment

    Cruisema  
    • Ballot_Box_Revolution
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 10:41pm

      i disagree. Did it really back fire?? Now she is only there because people felt sorry for her….i would have told them to shove it….But she is happy for being treated well even if it means nothing……sad for our society….

      This is being said w/o reading the article which i know is probably a mistake but this is a sequel to the previous story, and i am assuming by the head line and sub title she is now happy that she got what she wanted because people felt sorry for her….

      I mean maybe it is a win for the non popular folks, and i get that……but we don’t all have to mingle in the same groups or participate in the same things. I mean i wouldn’t want some greenie bicyclist (I don’t want to change that person…just pointing out difference and that is not a bad thing) working at my motorcycle shop…I think he would bring it down a notch…..And i’m sure he would feel the same if I worked at his bicycle shop.

      What I am saying is let the popular kids have the stupid dance royalty…it’s theirs…it’s always been that way….who cares…

      Report this comment

      Ballot_Box_Revolution  
  • dealer@678
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 9:50pm

    You go girl !!!

    Report this comment

    dealer@678  
    • CatB
      Posted on September 30, 2012 at 5:47pm

      I know this area … way far from Detroit .. don’t know why they think no one can find anything but Detroit on a map … anyway these are good down to earth small town people .. . Good Job to all concerned .. glad it backfired on the bullies!

      Report this comment

      CatB  
  • LowIQGenius
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 9:49pm

    This happened at my homecoming not 6 years ago, and nobody cared at the time I also guarantee you, nobody cares now. I support these types of candidates for homecoming, but this is not a new subject for a news article… And I think a lot of people feel the exact same way.

    Report this comment

    LowIQGenius  
    • jujubeebee
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 10:04pm

      Yes, this kind of cruel behavior has gone on for way too long. I think people do care though. It is sickening. The only reason there was a nice outcome in this case was because it was brought to everyone’s attention by the media. Had the story not been covered there would have not been the same outcome and this girl may not have been able to endure it.

      Report this comment

      jujubeebee  
  • massminority
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 9:48pm

    nice story. still no coverage of st. louis declaring martial law.

    Report this comment

    massminority  
  • Delores at CH WV
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 9:27pm

    This is the strangest story and may be a Hoax. Who wrote the story? This seems like a made up story so the kids could act out some weird story to support the Educational Bullying Campaign that the Teacher’s NEA Union is playing every hour on radio stations throughout the country.

    The Homecoming Queen and King look fine to me. These pictures remind me of the movie “Grease”. I was waiting for the “bullied girl” or the entire cast to break out in song.

    Olivia Newton John and John Travolta would jump at the chance to play the High School Homecoming King and Queen. Call Glee, I am sure they could be the extras for this Hollywood Flick.

    If this girl was truly bullied, I am truly sorry; however, I am not going there yet!

    Report this comment

    Delores at CH WV  
    • God_Is_Not
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 9:46pm

      You’re essentially presuming this girl is guilty of some sort of scheme. There’s absolutely no evidence to support your assertion. You’re not sorry, you’re a bully.

      Report this comment

      God_Is_Not  
  • Wilma
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 9:22pm

    She looks stunning in her gown. I admire her courage. This young woman will do great things in her life. The bullies will grow up to be losers. They always do. Congrats to all who stood up for her.

    Report this comment

    Wilma  
  • jespasinthru
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 9:00pm

    It’s like all those creeps are holding a lavish banquet for somebody who starved to death.

    Report this comment

    jespasinthru  
  • usernametaken
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 8:59pm

    I’d hit it !

    Report this comment

    usernametaken  
  • purecolorartist
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 8:39pm

    I don’t get it. What were they bulling her about?

    Report this comment

    purecolorartist  
    • GoodStuff
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 8:54pm

      I don’t get it either, where’s the meat of the story??

      Report this comment

      GoodStuff  
    • Bitter_Clinger
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 8:59pm

      I don’t get it either. When they have to give you the count left to right to eliminate the other suspects it loses its shock value.

      Report this comment

      Bitter_Clinger  
    • Palmer1943
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 9:05pm

      What difference does it make? Bullying is Bullying is Bullying. I don’t care what they did, she is now officially a survivor and by going through this horrible ordeal she will be a better person because of it. Hopefully the Bully’s will have learned something as well. Very proud of the communities/adults/kids who had enough of this crap and gave her complete support. Well done to you all. You make me proud. This is what America was, and will be again with this kind of kindness and support. THANKS….

      Report this comment

      Palmer1943  
    • davidmundy
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 9:35pm

      In answer to some who are asking what the bullying was about … here is what i heard from A different news report said the girl had some ducks at home and she liked to talk about the ducks at school. The bullies intended to pelt her with eggs sometime during the ceremony and then make quacking sounds to further humiliate her. I think this story is so wonderful because she won and the punks loose. Good for her!

      Report this comment

      davidmundy  
    • USPATRIOT101
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 9:40pm

      @palmer1943 Its sad how cruel kids can be but this has been going on for decades. I’m glad to see young adults identifying their rediculous behavior and correcting it. As far as calling this young lady a “survivor” is a stretch. Im sooo tired of everyone championing the anti bullying movement when I see the behavior of most Americans in their daily life. What a bunch of hippocrates. It makes everyone feel soo good to pat themselves on the back and “speak out against bullying” or push “bullying awareness” while they act like a jerk to a new struggling cashier at the grocery store or cut each other off in traffic not to mention the a$$ clowns that wont let you merge into traffic. How about the women that won’t tip their waitress because she happens to be cute and your not, I’ve seen that quite a bit.
      My point is, stop patting yourself on the back trying to convince the world how “good” you are and just treat people with dignity and respect. The self righteous crap got old way before barack obama started in with it and now it just sounds rediculous.
      Have a great weekend and much success in life!

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      USPATRIOT101  
    • RIGHT_WHERE_IT_HURTS
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 10:09pm

      That’s an easy one. The other girls are jealous because she’s pretty, and she probably doesn’t ‘put out’ like they do. Pigs.

      Report this comment

      RIGHT_WHERE_IT_HURTS  
  • hi
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 8:38pm

    This makes me cry. I”m so happy for her, but I am so sad that there is so much bullying.

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    hi  
  • redneckdiver
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 8:34pm

    I think the pranksters will get theirs – probably when they see her at reunions in 10 to 20 years.

    Report this comment

    redneckdiver  
    • Al Gator
      Posted on September 30, 2012 at 9:08pm

      LOL,

      Man, did you hit that nail. Been to too many reunions. The ugly ducklings were the center of the room and attraction.

      Jocks, (with their beer bellies over the their belts) were drooling. The “queens” (with their pudge in a girdle,) were green.

      Life has a way of getting even.

      Report this comment

      Al Gator  
  • usmc1063
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 8:33pm

    Whitney just remember Bullies that are cruel are just doing things like this to make themselves feel and look important. They are loosers who want to be something special but never will.

    Report this comment

    usmc1063  
  • momrules
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 8:29pm

    I am so glad this is a story with a happy ending. To all of you who helped this young woman prepare for the dance……, a great well done.
    To everyone who heard her story and supported her on the social networks, in the stands wearing orange or in your prayers………another well done.

    Whitney, you looked beautiful in these pictures. Let this be the beginning of wonderful life and never look back.

    Dance girl……….dance.

    Report this comment

    momrules  
  • ncgrammie4
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 8:14pm

    Something similar happened in NC this week to an overweight black girl. Her parents told her to hold her head high and not become a victim. She did and the school decided to leave her on the homecoming court.

    Report this comment

    ncgrammie4  
  • adimeroll
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 8:05pm

    There should be a study done as to the development of these morally deprived bullies as to what they amount to in their adult lives. Most of them will probably be politicians…..

    Report this comment

    adimeroll  
  • SaturdaysWarrior76
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 8:02pm

    @KickaGrandma: Nicely said.

    Report this comment

    SaturdaysWarrior76  
  • judyjudyjudy
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 7:57pm

    Does anyone know if the students who began the bullying have been dealt with? And I agree that it’s hard to understand why this particular girl was the object of the bullying.

    Report this comment

    judyjudyjudy  
    • bristoltrucker
      Posted on September 30, 2012 at 8:14am

      Maybe she didn’t wear the right brand of clothes. Could be that she turned down a date with one of the guys. She may have been a few inches taller, or shorter, than normal. Maybe her **** wasn’t done the way someone thought she should have it. Maybe she got better grades than someone else. These are all reasons given for bulying but the real reason is insecurity in the one doing the bullying. They have to tear someone else down to try and make themselves feel that they are not the worst thing in the school.

      Report this comment

      bristoltrucker  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 7:53pm

    Whitney~~~

    Here’s something for you that you may want to put on your mirror or in your room just to remind you how loved you are: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but GOD meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20

    GOD BLESS AND PROTECT YOU, Young Lady! Proud of and very happy for you and your courage.

    Report this comment

    kickagrandma  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 8:14pm

      Amen – this story shows clearly that God is able to bring goodness to the fore against the darkness; others sought to inflict cruelty on her, and instead God brought forth the goodness in others to smother the darkness inflicted.

      Report this comment

      Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Exrepublisheep
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 8:34pm

      I agree with you both. (Again.)

      Report this comment

      Exrepublisheep  
    • mbriz
      Posted on September 29, 2012 at 10:34pm

      …yet does nothing for peace on earth, starving children, wars…

      Report this comment

      mbriz  
  • G.E.R
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 7:50pm

    Let’s hear it for another generation of kids that are emotional cripples.

    Report this comment

    G.E.R  
  • kalli
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 7:49pm

    I wish all stories on bullying would turn out to be so inspirational and beautiful. Way to go, Whitney.

    Report this comment

     
  • glennisright.com
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 7:49pm

    As punishment for the bullies, they should be forced to watch “Carrie”.

    Report this comment

    glennisright.com  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on September 30, 2012 at 5:20am

      Yes, if they were to see what real bullies are capable of, they would be embarrassed at their mildness of their own pathetic efforts, and never again dare to usurp the once proud title of bully.

      Report this comment

      Chet Hempstead  
  • colt6920
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 7:42pm

    I’m quick to talk trash about this generation, so its rare that I have anything good to say. I must give them credit for being quick to be kind to one another. It gives me a little hope for them.

    Report this comment

    colt6920  
  • blackyb
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 7:42pm

    It is amazing how almost grown people have to use another human being and be “cool” at someone elses’ expense. That is not “cool” that is ignorant and immature. That young girl is just as nice looking as any of the rest of them. No one is perfect looking. Everyone has some flaws. Who do they think they are kidding. I am glad it turned out OK for her. She is brave and looks like a sweet girl. Those who did this in the beginning were a bunch headed for a world of trouble.

    Report this comment

    blackyb  
  • blackyb
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 7:39pm

    She looks as good as the rest of them. What is their problem?

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    blackyb  

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