I'm writing to you in response to a letter sent to you by Tara Kadium that was published in the June 26 Thousand Oaks Acorn.

Ray worked diligently to complete his high school requirements at Conejo Valley High School by the end of January, so he could enter boot camp for Alpha Company in March, allowing him to walk with his graduation class in June during his short leave after boot camp.

During his leave, he did have recruiter assistance duty, which precluded him from being able to participate in graduation practice.

When the graduation ceremony started, I watched the procession of students, and Ray was absent. While an award presentation was being given at the podium, I walked up to Mr. Martin, the school's principal, and asked him what had happened.

He first asked me to leave as my presence on the podium wasn't appropriate, adding "We'll handle this later." I told him, "There is no 'later,' this is it!" During my short discussion with Mr. Martin during the ceremony, he didn't mention his conversation with Ray at all, wherein Ray allegedly told Mr. Martin he didn't have a ride. (Martin) again asked me to leave, stating, "Mrs. Paladino, this is not the time to discuss this- - you may speak with me after the graduation."

With tears in my eyes, I quietly asked him to reconsider, as I pointed to Ray standing off to the side in his dress uniform, away from his class.

To our pleasant surprise, just prior to the announcement of the graduates, Mr. Martin did specifically acknowledge Ray's accomplishment and his graduation, while he stood on the side in quiet dignity at the recognition. After graduation, Mr. Martin did spend some time speaking with Ray, and escorted Ray back to his office and presented his graduation certificate in a very respectful manner.

Thank you, Mr. Martin, with all my heart, for the change in your heart that day. Ray had an excellent experience at Conejo Valley High School and really enjoyed his teachers and the staff there.

In my opinion: Tara's letter wasn't incorrect; Mr. Martin isn't a villain; Ray isn't a lazy slacker, and what could have been a sad situation was effectively rectified.

Ray is now back to Camp Pendleton, then to Oklahoma for additional weapons training and eventually to Afghanistan. During Ray's upcoming leave between Oklahoma and Afghanistan in September, we'll celebrate Ray's 18th birthday. Nance Paladino Thousand Oaks The writer is Ray Paladino's mother.