Whitney Kropp Ogemaw Heights High School homecoming prank: Community members respond to prank

Whitney Kropp was recently elected as a Homecoming representative for the sophomore class at Ogemaw Heights High School in West Branch.
Photographer: NBC Today Show
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Posted: 09/27/2012

By: Gino Vicci, WNEM/CNN Newsource

West Branch, MI (WNEM) -- Whitney Kropp was recently elected as a Homecoming representative for the sophomore class at Ogemaw Heights High School in West Branch.

Shortly after learning she had won, Whitney was informed that some students nominated her and voted for her as a joke.

"Initially when she got home she was excited," said Bernice Kropp, Whitney's mother.

"It wasn't until later on that evening that she was upset and crying," her mother added.

"I am ashamed," Donny Winters said in a YouTube response to the ordeal. Winters, a close friend, said he was also bullied at Ogemaw Heights High School.

In light of the news, members of the community began to respond.

A Facebook page that was created in support of Whitney has gathered nearly 1,500 "likes" in just a few days.

Shannon Champagne, a stylist at Whit's End Salon, said the company wanted to show her support by giving Whitney a free hairdo, makeup and "whatever else she wanted."

Down the road, another nearby business stepped in to make Whitney's homecoming experience an enjoyable one.

Jessica Zettle, owner of The Glass Slipper, said that she, along with other members of the community, are providing her with a new dress and shoes for the event.

Dan Cwayna, the superintendent of the West Branch-Rose City School District, told TV5 that he is aware of the incident but declined to comment until he's gathered more information.