Community lauds victim of school prank

WEST BRANCH, Mich. (AP) - A mid-Michigan community came out in support of a 16-year-old girl who was named to her high school homecoming court as part of an apparent prank.

Whitney Kropp was greeted with cheers Friday night at the homecoming football game for West Branch's Ogemaw Heights High School.

She was escorted onto the field by her father and grandfather.

Businesses also pitched in, giving Kropp a dress for Saturday's dance. Orange T-shirts were sold with the slogan "It's not cool to be cruel."

The sophomore has said she felt betrayed after some classmates suggested her selection at the 800-student school about 140 miles northwest of Detroit was a joke.

Kropp told reporters Friday night that students who are bullied should stand up for what they believe in.