NILES — Students at Merritt Elementary School donned their best bow ties for principal Matt Severin’s birthday Tuesday.

Severin started wearing bow ties each week for #bowtieTuesday.

“It’s a fun way to connect with kids,” Severin said. “I try to wear a new one every week and, when I can pull it off, I try to be in season. I think it has become a little bit of my identity.” 

For the Thanksgiving Holiday, Severin wore bow ties adorned with turkeys, and for Halloween, he wore bow ties decorated with pumpkins. 

Severin did not know, however, that students would also be wearing bow ties this week for his birthday.

“What a way to start my day,” Severin tweeted at the surprise. “300 kiddos wearing bow ties and singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to me. My job rocks!”