PORTLAND, Ore. -- If you stop by Llewellyn Elementary School in Sellwood, don’t be surprised to see many of the kids sporting neckties.
In fact, ties are highly coveted items, signaling you’ve earned your way into an elite group, the Llewelyn Knights.
The idea came from Llewelyn principal Joseph Galati, as a way to reward kids for supporting the four cornerstones of the school community. When the kids do something good, they are knighted with a necktie.
“The teachers do a marvelous job of recognizing those kids that have shown community, been safe, been responsible or been kind,” said Galati.
The knighting ceremonies are held each month and over the course of a year Galati says he can give out close to 450 ties. In addition, there are certificates, coupons that go toward a game day, and even a scepter of sorts.
“I have this magic wand that has glitter in it and I touch every one of them and they are knighted," said Galati.
The whole event ends with a song, which is nothing new at Llewelyn. The kids say principal Galati apparently has a song in his heart.
“He’s just really joyful and he always goes around singing, have a good day… have a good day,” said fifth-grader Reina Morales. "It’s really great and I love him.”
But Galati says he’s the lucky one. “It’s a beautiful place to be and I feel blessed to be here,” he said.
There are so many great students at Llewelyn that principal Galati is worried he just might run out of neckties for the knighting ceremonies. So if you have any extra ones, the school will gladly take them off your hands.