Students are greeted on the red carpet by faculty, their school mascot, and the Real Salt Lake mascot Leo the Lion on their first day of school at Willow Springs Elementary School in Draper on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
By Deseret News Photographers

Students in the Canyons School District headed back to school Monday, and young learners at Willow Springs Elementary School in Draper enjoyed a red carpet walk-up to the front doors of the school.

Greeting the students was a group of teachers, district leaders, parents and classmates, as well as the Real Salt Lake mascot — Leo the Lion — and the school’s own wolf mascot.

The high-fives and cheers, pleasant weather and plentiful smiles made for a memorable morning.

1 of 5
Students are greeted on the red carpet by faculty, their school mascot, and the Real Salt Lake mascot Leo the Lion on their first day of school at Willow Springs Elementary School in Draper on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
2 of 5
Students are greeted on the red carpet by faculty, their school mascot, and the Real Salt Lake mascot Leo the Lion on their first day of school at Willow Springs Elementary School in Draper on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
3 of 5
Students high-five their school mascot on their first day of school at Willow Springs Elementary School in Draper on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
4 of 5
Students high-five Real Salt Lake mascot Leo the Lion on their first day of school at Willow Springs Elementary School in Draper on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
5 of 5
Students are greeted on the red carpet by faculty, their school mascot, and the Real Salt Lake mascot Leo the Lion on their first day of school at Willow Springs Elementary School in Draper on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.