Whitney Kropp was selected to her high school’s homecoming court as a joke, but the 16-year-old sophomore was the one smiling Sept. 30 as she stood on a football field in West Branch, Michigan. Kropp, who says she had once considered suicide because she was bullied, elected to show up and accept the honor, however it was intended. The community in turn helped her, donating her gown, shoes and makeup for the big night. Supporters chanted her first name as she took her place on the court. “The kids who are bullying, do not let them bring you down,” she says. “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.” (USA Today)
