Letter distorted the truth about man's graduation

I read Tara Kadium's letter to the editor this morning regarding Ray Paladino's graduation. She's entitled to her opinion, but her take on the facts of the situation are incorrect. She states, "A young man was denied participation in his own graduation because he couldn't obtain leave for the rehearsal."

That's untrue. Ray finished boot camp and was on campus visiting earlier in the week prior to graduation. I'm not sure why Ray didn't attend practice, but the fact of the matter is he was on leave at that time.

I know Ray, and I find him to be kind, funny and respectful.

In my opinion, I doubt he would have wanted all the negative attention Ms. Kadium's letter has wrought nor the accusations that are being directed at his alma mater and its staff. Dawn Stines Thousand Oaks Stines is the health clerk at Conejo Valley High School.