Michigan community members rally behind bullied teen Whitney Kropp

If you’re a high school parent then you know exactly what time of year it is: Homecoming season — the time for spirit weeks, football games and homecoming court.

While many students cherish the first dance of the school year, high school sophomore Whitney Kropp was heartbroken when she found out her classmates nominated her for homecoming court as a prank. Whitney had been previously bullied for her choice of black clothing and multicolored hair.

But instead of letting the school bullying get to her, Whitney found a support system in her local community. Several businesses in her town of West Branch, Michigan, offered to help Whitney on her big day — from buying her dinner to supplying her with a beautiful gown. Residents also plan to pack the stands during pre-dance football game to ensure Whitney has support during the homecoming walk.

With community members and Ogemaw Heights High School alumni behind her, Whitney has endeavored to take a stand against bullying, rallying support on a Facebook page — Support Whitney Kropp — that was created by a stranger on her behalf. Though the page was initially meant to shed light on Whitney’s situation, it has taken on another role as a place to raise awareness about school bullying and what can be done to overcome it.

School bullying has become a major problem in America with incidents often escalating and spinning out of control. If one episode of bullying can be effectively combated by rallying community members behind the cause, why not do the same in every high school?

Check out the Support Whitney Kropp Facebook page to learn more about what you can do to help stop school bullying.