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'I'm speechless': Northeast Ohio educator and founder of Felt Smart gets heartfelt surprise from Joann Fabric and Craft

Joann Fabric and Craft decided to surprise the incredible Rahamel Hughes with the one supply she uses to educate - felt.

CLEVELAND — Throughout Black History Month, 3News honored our unsung heroes who are making a difference in the community.

One of the people we had a chance to meet was Rahamel Hughes, an educator in Northeast Ohio who uses felt to teach kids about creativity, while learning at the same time. 

She makes felt come alive through her program: Felt Smart. Hughes hosts workshops and serves several Northeast Ohio schools, daycares, community centers and churches.

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After our story aired on 3News aired, Joann Fabric and Craft decided to surprise the incredible Ohio educator with the one supply she uses to educate - felt. We took Hughes outside where a van full of Joann supplies was waiting. 

“I was just thinking I need to get to the store and get more felt,” said Hughes after the surprise. “Thank you so much. I’m speechless.”

The presentation, which also included a gift card for Huges, meant a lot to Joann's representative.

“It feels great for me. I am from the east side of Cleveland, so just to see an educator like this within this neighborhood is needed to show that there is a way to be forward-thinking, innovative and there isn’t just one lane for learning,” said Shauntina Lilly, Joann Fabric and Craft's manager of public relations, diversity and inclusion. ”Rahamel makes that very clear with what’s she’s doing.”

You can see our previous reporting on Rahamel Hughes below:

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