"It is absolutely awesome to see her stand up, " a beaming Bernice Kropp said.

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Kropp says he is seeing an increased emphasis places on overall compensation as the economy continues its recovery.

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R-E-S-P-E-C-T is new to the top five list this year according to Kropp.

FORBES: The Top Five Reasons Employees Will Quit In 2013

Opting to stay on the homecoming court was a tough decision, Kropp said.

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In fact, her sister, Alivia Kropp, was the first person to spread the word and encourage her to speak out.

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That trumps salary and health benefits, says Executive Board CEO Brian Kropp.

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Sitting on her front porch in rural Michigan, Kropp held her head high with what her mom described as a new and overwhelming sense of confidence.

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"It's very hard to see someone hurt and upset, and you want to do everything in your power to make sure they're not that way, " Alivia Kropp said.

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Whitney Kropp, a self-described outcast with just a handful of close friends at Ogemaw Heights High School, was picked to be the female representative of the sophomore class royalty.

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"I'm like, 'Wow, I feel like trash, '" Kropp said.

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