Senior denied class graduation over unpaid textbook fine

ALLENTOWN — A high school senior was barred from graduation ceremonies for missing a deadline to pay a $25 fee for a lost textbook. John Ortiz Jr.’s parents found out about the delinquent fee a day before commencement and tried to satisfy the debt, but they said school officials refused the money because it was one day overdue. ``I said, ‘It’s Father’s Day and you’re not going to let me see my son graduate over $25?’’’ said his father, John Ortiz Sr. Allentown School District officials refused to comment. The teenager said he learned about the outstanding fee on June 15, the last day of school, when he went to pick up his graduation tickets, cap and gown. Ortiz Jr. said he didn’t tell his parents until Saturday, and thought he would be able to pay the fee at the graduation. Ortiz Sr. said he drove to the school immediately to make a last-minute payment, but no one was there. He said he then called the principal at home, but the principal would not agree to let his son participate in commencement. On graduation day, 11 members of the Ortiz family, including grandparents and cousins, went to Stabler Arena, hoping the district would accept a payment and let their son walk with his class. But they said Ortiz Jr. was told he did not belong in line with the other seniors. ``I was upset and embarrassed. They kicked me out in front of everybody,’’ Ortiz Jr. said. His father said school officials told him the policy would be adhered to even if a student owed as little as $1. The family is seeking an apology and wants a school official to personally hand their son’s diploma to him in a small ceremony at the school.