Whitney Kropp: A Social Media Cinderella

Bullies. Queen Bees. Mean girls. They are everywhere. In Encinitas, New York City and beyond. At every school. In every neighborhood. As parents, we grew up knowing about them. Some of us were victims of them. But in today's modern times, our children have little escape from their reach. No longer secluded to locker rooms, hallways or private phone calls. Bullying has gone viral. It is on Facebook, Instagram, Emails, Texts and even for the entire world to see on Youtube. But sometime, we can use the same technology to fight back.

Whitney Kropp is a fighter. She was selected to be a part of the homecoming court at West Branch's Ogemaw Heights High School (Michigan) as part of a unusually cruel hoax. She said students pointed at her in the hallways and laughed, and the boy who was picked with her withdrew.

At first Whitney felt humiliated. But she held her head up high. And her school followed suit. Kids started coming up to her and told her, "Whitney, don’t let them stop you from going to homecoming. You need to go ahead, you need to do it."

Then her entire town rallied around her. Hearing about the story, the owner of Whit's End Salon in West Branch donated services to cut, color and style Krops' hair. Other local business have pitched in as well, paying for Whitney's dinner, gown, shoes and even a tiara for the dance. In every sense, what started out as a joke has turned into a real life Cinderella Story.

But it wasn't until social media entered the picture that the real magic began. A local resident, Jamie Kline, started a Facebook support page in Whitney's honor. Whitney now has more than 34,000 likes nationwide. And her support keeps growing. Personal stories of bullying and messages of encouragement are filling the site. Examples include:

"As a person who was an outcast in his school, do this favor. Shine, Shine like the star stuff you are made of. Do this for me, and for everyone who has ever been a victim. On that field, we all will be with you, some in body, some in spirit, all in heart. From the nerdy kid who listened to the cure and dressed in dime store black clothes who decided to reach for the stars"

"Dearest Whitney - Someday the people who have bullied you will have serious regrets and what they've done will haunt them, but you will have no regrets! Go to Homecoming, have a wonderful time and show them all what a great girl you are. Big hugs from a mom in California (with 2 high schoolers and 2 college students!). :-)"

"Your story really touched my heart!! I live in Los Angeles, California and have worked with teenage girls and helping them build their self esteem and I know what an intricate and vulnerable age this is for you. You are a rare and wonderful gift to this world! Embrace it all with grace and dignity as you have. I am supporting you Whitney."

But perhaps the most powerful words are those from Jamie, the creator of the Facebook page. Someone who had never met Whitney, but felt compelled to make a difference and turn a story of a young victim of bullying into a poignant message of hope and change...

I started this page what seems like months ago, but I realize was only about a week or so. I, like many of you, have never actually met Whitney. I am a former OHHS grad and a mother. I heard about Whitney's story from a friend who still lives up north. Because of my frustration with bullying my own children have endured, her story hit home for me.

I blogged about this on my personal blog over the weekend. I did this to bring awareness to the severity of bullying in our society. I did this so that Whitney would know that she was loved. I did this to get the community to pay attention. I did this so more parents would pay attention. I want people to understand that education starts at home. Teaching morals and values STARTS AT HOME.

Look at what happened from me starting one little page to help one beautiful little girl. For any of you doubting what you are capable of, let me tell you - ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I am floored. I am overwhelmed. I am amazed.

For one minute, please stop what you are doing and look at your kids. I think too many adults forget that kids are just that - young and impressionable. Our reactions as parents, mentors, grandparents, aunts, and uncles affects our children and how they grow and learn.

YOU can make a difference. On that same token - you can help me make a difference. Whitney's homecoming is Friday. I do not want the lesson to end on Friday. This isn't just about Whitney. This is about every child AND ADULT who has ever been or who are currently being bullied. Let's work together to make a difference.

Join Jamie in supporting Whitney (and other girls across the nation) fight back against bullies. Be kind. Stick up for others. And don't let the bullies win. After all, at the end of the story, Cinderella gets her moment to shine at the ball. And so will Whitney.