Whitney Kropp: Opposing Team,Town Rally Around Bullied Teen

Stepping out of a Hummer limousine, Whitney Kropp walked with glamor and grace as she took her place in the Owega High School homecoming court.

It was a stark difference from just last week, when the West Branch, Mich., teen said she thought about killing herself after she found out her nomination to homecoming court was a prank pulled by the popular kids at her school.

But for Whitney, looking good was the best revenge against the bullies.

Local businesses rallied around the teen, donating her dress, shoes, jewelry, hair styling and makeup.

"It's just so much right now for me," Kropp said at the homecoming game. "I had thoughts about not coming but I actually changed my mind and came out. I just thought maybe I won't have fun. But I'm having a lot of fun right now."

The stunning sophomore was even cheered on by the opposing team.

At the homecoming game, students from rival Cadillac High School wore orange, Whitney's favorite color, and waved signs supporting the teen.

"I think it's awful what happened to her and we just want to let her know that there are people here for her," senior Alli Halladay said.

Whitney's story even struck a cord around the world. A Facebook page supporting her has garnered 120,000 likes.

Kropp said she doesn't know who decided to pull the cruel "prank" on her, but had a message for other students dealing with bullying.

"The kids that are bullying, do not let them bring you down," Kropp said. "Stand up for what you believe in, and go with your heart and go with your gut. That's what I did, and look at me now. I'm just as happy as can be."

The Associated Press contributed to this report