By Ann Norman, special to cleveland.com
MEDINA, Ohio – It couldn’t have been easy for a gaggle of sixth- and seventh-graders to keep a secret on a 20-minute walk, but somehow they managed not to spill the beans.
So when Let’s Make A Difference founder Michelle Powell realized that the group of people waiting at Ray Mellert Park this afternoon were there to honor her and co-director Carol Andregg, she was visibly surprised.
Shock quickly gave way to a few happy tears and lots of hugs – “Miss Michelle” is famous for her hugs – as Mayor Dennis Hanwell and Parks Director Jansen Wehrley unveiled a plaque recognizing Powell and Andregg for their 16 years of service to the LMAD summer enrichment and ACE afterschool tutoring program.
The plaque will be nestled beneath a large oak tree next to the pavilion at the park adjacent to the Union Square apartments on North Huntington Street.