Thank you to Christopher D. Oliver and his parents for showing us what dignity in the face of adversity looks like (“School’s error deferred,” news, July 11).

When a processing error kept him from attending high school graduation ceremonies, the 18-year-old couldn’t believe it. Certain he had enough credits to graduate, he and his parents accepted the school’s tally. Surely there was some outrage and disbelief, yet Christopher signed up for a summer class to complete graduation.

After canceling an admittedly huge and well-deserved party, after suffering the embarrassment of calling friends and family, after not seeing their son’s name in the newspaper with those of his fellow graduates, the Olivers learned of the error and discovered Christopher had graduated after all.

Nothing about the article in the July 11 paper suggests the Oliver family reacted to the school’s admission of mistakes and numerous apologies with anything other than acceptance and forgiveness. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver, your son’s efforts are proudly on display in the paper, more so for this head-high perseverance than his hard scholastic work. You’ve obviously raised a fine young man. Bravo to all of you.

ROBERT J. SANTA

Saunderstown