Compassionate Community Changes the Life of a Bullied Teen!

Good news:  Sixteen year old Whitney Kropp was ecstatic when she learned that she was nominated to be homecoming queen at her high school in West Branch, Michigan!

Bad news:  She later learned that it was a prank that some classmates orchestrated because they thought it would be funny for someone “unpopular” to be nominated. According to Detroit's WXYZ-TV, Whitney was crushed and angered and said she felt “unworthy” and actually thought about suicide. 

It is understandable that Whitney wanted to drop out and not attend the homecoming events. However, her mother, grandmother and sister convinced her to stay in the running. 

Residents of the small town of West Branch demonstrated extraordinary compassion and support as they rallied around Whitney! A Facebook page was created supporting her, and local businesses donated a dress, accessories, and salon services.  Residents of West Branch, Michigan will be cheering for Whitney at the homecoming events this weekend!

Whitney Kropp explained to Detroit NBC news, "I'm excited to go because I can prove everyone wrong and say, you know, I'm not this joke that you guys thought of." You guys doing this has made me stronger, and I've got more self-esteem than what I had.”

What an amazing and heart-warming ending!  Do you know other happy endings to bullying situations?  Please share!

About the blogger: Judy S. Freedman, a licensed clinical social worker and bullying prevention specialist, is the author of Easing the Teasing – Helping Your Child Cope with Name-Calling, Ridicule, and Verbal Bullying. She lectures and conducts workshops for parents, educators, and mental health professionals throughout the country. Learn more about Judy and her work at www.easingtheteasing.com.