From the NewsForce247 Archive — originally published November 24, 2025. Stories move to the archive automatically after four weeks; they remain searchable and shareable.
AKRON, Ohio — Students at Firestone Community Learning Center got the surprise of a lifetime when pop superstar Kelly Clarkson and Oscar‑winning costume designer Paul Tazewell showed up at the school to honor a local teen’s creativity and passion for the arts.
‘Wicked’ Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Surprises Aspiring High School Fashionista
The surprise was part of a segment for *The Kelly Clarkson Show*, which often highlights young changemakers and talented artists across the country. Clarkson teamed up with Tazewell—best known for his work on *Hamilton* and *West Side Story*—to recognize 17‑year‑old Jada Williams, an aspiring designer from Akron who has been creating her own fashion pieces using thrifted materials.
‘Wicked’ Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Surprises Aspiring High School Fashionista
For Williams, the visit was more than a celebrity encounter. “It showed me that dreams really can start right here,” she said, smiling as she held up a sketchbook filled with her next designs.
— NewsForce247.com