Photos: Jefferson holiday dinner brings joy to Cedar Rapids high school

The event, organized by students, served a free meal to more than 1,000 people and offered live music and visits with Santa Claus

Jim Slosiarek

Dec. 18, 2025 3:59 pm

Six-year-old James Claus run across the reflection of a Christmas tree in the main gymnasium during the 13th annual Jefferson Holiday Dinner at Cedar Rapids Rapids Jefferson High School on Wednesday. The event features a free meal and live entertainment from students as well as visits with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The event is put on my students through community donations. A record 1,343 meals were served during the event in 2024. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

Jefferson junior Yerzi Park (left) takes a photo with Santa Claus Dale Retzlaff of Center Point during the 13th annual Jefferson Holiday Dinner at Cedar Rapids Rapids Jefferson High School on Wednesday. The event features a free meal and live entertainment from students as well as visits with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The event is put on my students through community donations. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

Associate principal secretary Jane Lapray (center) serves holiday dinner to Bennett Wright (left), 9, and his grandmother Vicki Wright during the 13th annual Jefferson Holiday Dinner at Cedar Rapids Rapids Jefferson High School on Wednesday. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

Jefferson senior Tamar Kalembire plays holiday music with other band members during the 13th annual Jefferson Holiday Dinner at Cedar Rapids Rapids Jefferson High School on Wednesday. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

Jefferson freshman Aubrey Stotelmyre smiles as she plays holiday music with other band members during the 13th annual Jefferson Holiday Dinner at Cedar Rapids Rapids Jefferson High School on Wednesday. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)