After a cruel homecoming hoax that went public, Whitney Kropp, the bullied teen gained the support of the community and attended her pre-homecoming coronation as the Homecoming Princess.

“I had thoughts about not coming,” the teen told reporters. “I just thought maybe I won’t have fun, but … I’m having actually a lot of fun right now. I’m so happy — this is so much right now for me.”

Kropp was initially ecstatic after she was nominated as their female class representative for homecoming. Unfortunately, she was quickly shot down, after people laughed and told her that it was all a prank by some of the students at her school. The humiliation from the cruel joke made Kropp consider taking her own life.

Luckily for her, the community rallied behind her and local businesses donated products and services to help her get ready for Friday’s event.

“Every girl looks forward to being on that homecoming court and for her name to be called,” said stylist Shannon Champagne, who fixed Kropp’s hair for free. “For her to be so excited about that and then just to find out that it was all just a joke, it just — it really touched me.”

As for the new homecoming princess, she has one message for victims of bullying. “Stand up for what you believe in and go with your heart and go with your gut,” Kropp said. “That’s what I did, and look at me now. I’m just as happy as can be!

Her Facebook page Support Whitney Kropp now has over 115,000 likes.