Bursting with college colors, logos and mascots, Lone Peak Elementary brought big energy — and even bigger ideas — to students during its annual College and Career Week, a PTA-led event inspiring future education and careers.

Throughout the week, students participated in themed dress-up days that encouraged them to think about their futures, such as “Dream Big Day,” where students wore pajamas to school or “Taking Steps to the Future” crazy socks day. There was a college gear day and a career day where students dressed as what they hoped to become when they grew up.

The week also included a district-coordinated career day, which brought adult volunteers from the community into classrooms to talk about their professions.

“Our whole purpose in College and Career Week is to get the kids excited about going to college and be aware of all the options Utah has,” said Julie Randall, PTA College Week volunteer who has coordinated the event for three years. “We have so many colleges and universities in our state, some that kids have never heard of.”

Lone Peak Elementary students reached out for a high-five from Brigham Young University’s mascot Cosmo at an assembly during the school’s College and Career Week. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Borg)

The school campus transformed into a colorful college showcase where the hallways, library, gymnasium, cafeteria and other spaces were decorated to represent universities across Utah. Balloons, banners and logos helped students become familiar with school names and colors.

One popular lunchtime activity invited students to place stickers on a chart where they may attend college and also, their possible major. Rather than tracking the most popular schools, Randall focused on students’ interests. This year, languages topped the list, fitting for the Chinese dual immersion school. Other top choices included entertainment and performing arts, architecture, engineering and computer game design.

“It was fun to see them be a bit more thoughtful about it this year and think about what they want to study and where they could go for that,” Randall said.

Teachers and staff joined in by sharing their own educational backgrounds, which brought in some out-of-state and out-of-country university awareness. Pennants of many colleges and universities outside of Utah lined the school hallways as well.

The highlight for many students was the mascot assembly, welcoming Cosmo from Brigham Young University, Swoop from the University of Utah and Willy from Utah Valley University. 

Students learned a little about each mascot: Cosmo, who learns about leadership, knowledge, faith and service as well as about “jumping through rings of fire, skydiving and making every moment more fun;” Swoop staying active, with outdoor recreation activities such as biking and walking and joining the MUSS (student fan club) during the third down jump at football games; and Willy, who meets students across the campus and learns new things every day.

Then, the mascots participated in interactive games like charades with students where they acted out how they stay healthy — such as drinking water and lifting weights — to what they like to learn — math, reading and writing. Then, the mascots performed tricks and stunts, which was a favorite with the students.

A third grader said her favorite thing was watching Cosmo do a back flip and spin on his head while a fifth grader said she cheered on Swoop and may want to go to the U of U, following her dad’s footsteps.

On the way out of the assembly, the mascots gave students high-fives and posed for grade-level photos, providing students with a lasting memory.

“The mascots are so good with the students; (we) make it collegial between the schools and the mascots are always friendly with each other while they’re here. I love the kids get to see that,” Randall said. “The kids are excited for this; we want our students to look forward and expect they’ll be a part of college when they’re that age.”