West Branch, Mich. — High school student Whitney Kropp was shocked earlier this month when she was named to the homecoming court.
Her happy surprise turned to humiliation when she learned the reason. The students thought it would be funny if the popularity contest was won by someone who was unpopular.
Kids pointed at her in the hallways and laughed. The boy who was picked with her withdrew.
Students told her that, in case she was wondering why the boy had dropped out, he was uncomfortable being linked with her.
“I thought I wasn’t worthy,” said Kropp, 16. “I was this big old joke.”
Her embarrassment was complete, but it didn’t last long.
This tiny farm town an hour north of Saginaw quickly rallied around her.
Bitter-sweet story. It's hard to believe that the kids in this small town could be so mean and yet their parents could be so kind.