PIQUA — The Edison Foundation at Edison State Community College has named James and Ginny Thompson, of Botkins, the cochairmen of the 20th annual Holiday Evening event.

This year’s event will feature four-time Emmy Award-winner and two-time Grammy nominee John Tesh, Nov. 29 at the Piqua campus. The Holiday Evening event annually supports student scholarship opportunities.

“We’re honored to be named co-chairs of this year’s Holiday Evening event. Ginny and I have always appreciated the great cause this event supports,” said Thompson. “The college, as is well known, is an asset to Shelby, Miami and Darke counties. Together by raising money for scholarships we are all supporting individual students and their efforts to be successful and contribute to society.”

Before serving as the chairman of Edison State’s Board of Trustees and a member of the Foundation Board, James served in the U.S. Navy and spent a significant portion of his career in law enforcement for the Botkins and Sidney communities.

Ginny, who spent 26 years as a schoolteacher, was selected twice as teacher of the year at Anna Local Schools and is a cofounder of the Shelby County Black Achievers Scholarship Foundation.

Outside of their contributions to Edison State, James and Ginny have been involved with numerous community organizations. Because of their experiences, James and Ginny have witnessed the impact a scholarship can have on a student’s life.

“Ginny and I have always been aware of the value of education,” said Thompson. “Keeping in touch with students through the years, she and I have realized how much financial assistance can mean to someone trying to fulfill potential by enrolling in a college program. We both believe the legacy of leaders, in any community, is usually recognized by the wake they leave behind. It is because of the many community members who have attended Holiday Evening in years past that have allowed the Edison Foundation to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to students over the last 19 years.”

A four-time Emmy Award-winner and two-time Grammy nominee, Tesh has maintained a highly successful and varied career path that includes a 10-year run as anchor on Entertainment Tonight, a string of No. 1 radio hits, and his popular, nationally syndicated radio show.

“John Tesh’s Grand Piano Christmas” offers holiday favorites with Tesh’s signature style. Twenty-five years and more than 50 recordings into his multifaceted, ever-evolving musical career, Tesh blends easy listening, classical, pop and new age.

“John Tesh and his band are phenomenal,” added Thompson. “We anticipate an entire evening of vibrant music and great entertainment. Guests can expect another evening of outstanding first class entertainment. The food is always creative, delicious and plentiful. Prepare to be impressed.”

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Edison Foundation Scholarship Fund to support Edison State students. A limited number of tickets are available at $125 each at www.edisonohio.edu/holidayevening/.

For information, email [email protected] or call 937-778-7805.