BYU football players and representatives from the Big 12 Conference celebrated a $40,000 library renovation at Westridge Elementary on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. The event, which included mascot Cosmo the Cougar and BYU cheerleaders, marked the completion of a project designed to provide the Provo school with modern reading spaces and new furniture.
A New Era for Westridge Reading Spaces
A New Era for Westridge Reading Spaces
The library makeover was made possible through a partnership between the Big 12 Conference and the College Football Playoff Foundation. According to the Provo City School District, the Big 12 specifically requested the Westridge Elementary renovation ahead of an upcoming BYU football game as part of an initiative to support communities near member universities.
The renovation provided the school with new furniture, comfortable seating, and modernized reading areas. School Specialty worked alongside Westridge staff to assist with the design and equipping of the updated facility.
As Fox13 News first reported, the project involved an estimated $40,000 in improvements. Provo City School District spokesman Caleb Price noted the improvements were intended to make the library a more inviting and comfortable place for students to develop a love of reading.
Athletes Motivate Students
Athletes Motivate Students
During the ceremony, students had the opportunity to hear from BYU athletes and conference officials regarding education and the pursuit of personal goals. Jenn Hunter, the Chief Impact Officer for the Big 12, spoke to students about the vital role of early education. Hunter reminded the students that their elementary school achievements serve as a foundation for future opportunities.
"You have to read books. That is what the library is for. You have to study. You have to get good grades," Hunter told the students.
BYU Athletic Director Brian Santiago delivered a message of gratitude, urging students to express appreciation to the teachers, principals, and others who support their learning. "Every day that you come to school, you should thank all the people who are helping you," Santiago told the group.
Player Testimonials and Values
Player Testimonials and Values
Santiago honored students who demonstrated the school's core values of respect, responsibility, and safety before introducing three BYU football players: Raider Damuni, Bear Bachmeier, and Cade Uluave.
Raider Damuni, who grew up in Kula, Hawaii, and attended high school in Provo, shared his childhood dream of playing football for BYU, following in the footsteps of his father, Jack Damuni. Damuni encouraged students to continue dreaming, believe in their established goals, and stay in school.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier reminded students that "knowledge is power" and urged them to utilize the new library for diligent study while treating others with respect.
Linebacker Cade Uluave spoke about his family's connection to education, noting his mother is a kindergarten teacher and his father, a former high school math teacher, currently serves as a principal. Uluave encouraged students to use the library as a resource and emphasized that education provides benefits regardless of future interests.
Recognition for Educators
Recognition for Educators
The event also included a surprise recognition for Westridge educator Shanna Bonnett. As part of the College Football Playoff Foundation's "Extra Yard for Teachers" initiative, Bonnett received $1,000 in classroom resources through DonorsChoose.
This award is part of a broader effort to recognize educators and invest in public schools through partnerships with collegiate athletic conferences. The Provo City School District expressed gratitude to the organizations and individuals who contributed to the renovation and helped make the unveiling a memorable day for the students.
A Celebration for the Wildcats
A Celebration for the Wildcats
To celebrate the transformation, Cosmo the Cougar and the BYU cheerleaders joined the students. In a highlight of the event, Cosmo tested the school's book vending machine, selecting a book while the cheerleaders cheered.
Students also presented the "Operation: Wildcat" motto, committing to acting with respect, responsibility, and safety. The ceremony brought together the Big 12 Conference, the College Football Playoff Foundation, School Specialty, BYU Athletics, and the Westridge community to celebrate the library's transformation and the importance of supporting education.
