Students at Crescent Elementary voted in September to name their bear mascot Cosmo. They had no idea it was already the mascot's name.

The Canyons School District school at 11100 S. 230 East in Sandy is celebrating its 50th anniversary during the 2026-27 school year. Principal Kierstin Draper told the Sandy Journal the cub mascot had disappeared for a few years, and she thought it was time for a comeback. The old name appeared on the ballot alongside grade-level suggestions like Cubby, Smoky, Jazzy, Chocolate Chip and Lucky. Students were never told Cosmo was the mascot's previous name.

Cosmo won.

At a school assembly, the mascot walked in and the name was announced over the PA system. The gym erupted.

Second-grader Janie Jensen, a BYU fan who voted for Cosmo, described the scene. "Everyone was going yelling, 'Cosmo, Cosmo, Cosmo,'" Jensen said. "It got so loud, I plugged my ears."

Third-grader Nora Bates said when the mascot walked in and the announcement came, the cheering was deafening.

Not everyone backed the winner. Fourth-grader Pierce Platt voted for Chocolate Chip because he loves food. His preferred name, Swoop, wasn't on the ballot. Still, Platt said he hopes the bear hands out Bit-O-Honeys or Swedish Fish. "If Cosmo comes by without any, I'll still give him a high-five," he said.

The current Crescent Elementary building opened in 1976. Draper said the mascot's return under its original name is especially meaningful in the school's milestone year.

Draper has leaned into the Cubs identity throughout 2026. In July, she hosted a senior walk where high school graduates returned to the elementary school. "It's inspiring for our students to see the former Crescent Cubs and fun for those returning," she told the Sandy Journal in July.

No specific 50th anniversary celebration date has been announced for the 2026-27 school year.