November 3, 2025
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Johnson County Community College (JCCC) Foundation will host the 39th annual Some Enchanted Evening gala, the College’s annual fundraising event for student scholarships.
This inspiring event is a chance for community members and supporters to gather and celebrate the collective impact JCCC has on Johnson County and the Greater Kansas City region. This year’s gala theme, “Start Here, Go Anywhere,” underscores the transformative power of a JCCC education by highlighting how students who begin their journeys at JCCC go on to inspire learning, build the workforce, and strengthen communities across the world.
Keynote Speaker: JCCC Alum and Conn. State Representative Corey Paris
JCCC alum and Connecticut State House Representative Corey Paris will be the keynote speaker for this year’s gala. Paris attended JCCC and served as Student Senate President for the 2010-2011 academic year. Paris transferred to and graduated from Western Connecticut State University, where he earned a degree in Political Science. Paris is currently the Chief Impact Officer for Person-to-Person, a Connecticut-based non-profit that provides essential services like food assistance, clothing/care programs, scholarships, and more. Paris also serves as an elected State Representative for the 145th House District in Connecticut.
“Corey Paris was Student Body President at JCCC one of the years I was on the JCCC Board. He was a firecracker who had big ideas and executed them. He was going places for all the right reasons,” said Stephanie Sharp, owner of VoteSharp and Some Enchanted Evening co-chair. “When I was asked to co-chair this year’s scholarship gala, I knew he would be the perfect keynote speaker to highlight our alumni focus. We’re excited to have him return to campus this November.”
Sharp and Marshaun Butler, Chief Operating Officer of Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, are co-chairs for the event this year.
2025 Johnson Countian of the Year Honoree: JCCC Alum and Local Business Leader Jon L. Stewart
At each Some Enchanted Evening, JCCC presents Johnson Countian of the Year to honor community leaders who have made significant contributions to Johnson County. This year’s honoree is Jon L. Stewart, who also started his journey at JCCC. Stewart has been involved with the College for decades as a student, alumnus, trustee member, foundation board member, and in many other supporting roles.
Stewart graduated from JCCC with an Associate of Arts degree. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Kansas (KU). After graduating from KU, Stewart was hired as vice president and cashier for Corporate Woods State Bank in 1980. In July 1988, he joined Metcalf Bank. He was elected president and chief executive officer in July 1999. Stewart retired from Metcalf Bank in 2008 after 20 years of dedicated service and leadership. He currently operates his own business, Stewart Properties, LLC.
“I credit the college with really changing my life and any success I’ve had,” said Stewart. “I’ve never forgotten that.”
Stewart continues to give back to JCCC through the annual Cohen Community Series. The Cohen Community Series was inaugurated in 2008 through a gift from Stewart to honor the late Barton P. Cohen, president of Metcalf Bancshares, vice chairman and general counsel of Metcalf Bank, and an attorney with Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP. Proceeds from the annual Cohen Community Series events support JCCC scholarships and educational programs that help make college possible for many students each year.
“Jon Stewart is a longtime friend of the College, and we could not be more excited to recognize him as the 2025 Johnson Countian of the Year,” said Joy Ginsburg, Executive Director of the JCCC Foundation. “Through his decades of service to Johnson County, Jon has truly lived JCCC’s mission to inspire learning that transforms lives and strengthens communities.”
Gala Details
The Gala has raised millions to support scholarships for students since its first event, held in 1987. The annual black-tie dinner has become one of the major social events in Johnson County and is one of the most successful fundraising events in the region. In 2024, the JCCC Foundation raised a record-high total of $1.16 million and has already raised $1.5 million this year.
The 2025 Some Enchanted Evening Gala will be held on November 8, 2025, at the Overland Park Convention Center.
The Foundation is currently seeking corporate sponsors for the event. Sponsorships sold out in 2023 and 2024 – secure your sponsorship today before they are gone. Learn more and purchase tickets at jccc.edu/SEE.
CONTACT:
Emma Swinney
Public and Media Relations Coordinator
eswinne1@jccc.edu
913-469-8500, ext. 4949
Chris Gray
VP, Strategic Communications & Marketing
chrisgray@jccc.edu
913-469-8500, ext. 7623
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