It is heartwarming to see a good end to a story about teenage bullying.
CNN first reported the story of Whitney Kropp, a 16-year-old sophomore at Ogemaw Heights High School in Michigan. She described herself as an "outcast."
The young lady was thrilled when she learned she had been picked to be a princess in the homecoming court. Then she learned that classmates had voted for her as a joke.
Whitney said she contemplated suicide the night of her election. But friends and family convinced her to turn the tables on the cruel classmates. She opted to stay in the homecoming court. Her sister also publicized her plight.
The response was incredible. Businesses donated a gown and shoes and a local salon did her hair. A Facebook page devoted to her now has over 96,000 "likes."
Last Friday night, Whitney participated in homecoming at halftime of the football game. Teens from neighboring towns came to support her and she was surrounded by cheering fans.
CNN quoted the astonished teen:
"I thought before, 'Oh, no one cares about me,''' she said. "I thought not even my own brother and sister care. But they're proving to 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."
Whitney also showed some class when speaking about her school.
"The school is fantastic. They treated me so well here and I couldn't ask for more."
Obviously, Whitney found a way to concentrate on the support she received instead of the students who tried to make fun of her. She sounds like an incredible young lady.
Perhaps Whitney's triumph will give would-be bullies pause. Whitney's tormentors turned her into a national hero.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.
