In a heartwarming story that has touched thousands across the internet, Ben Moser, a high school quarterback from Pennsylvania, fulfilled a promise he made back in elementary school. Years ago, as a young fourth grader, Ben told his classmate and friend, Mary Lapkowicz, who has Down syndrome, that one day he would take her to prom. And true to his word, he did exactly that.
A Special Friendship That Began in Elementary School
Ben and Mary’s friendship began in the second grade, when the two attended elementary school together. From the beginning, Ben showed a natural sense of kindness and inclusion that made him stand out. While many children might have distanced themselves from someone with disabilities, Ben made sure Mary felt included in all classroom activities.
Mary’s brother, Tom Lapkowicz, later reflected on their childhood friendship in a Facebook post, saying:
“A lot of grade-school aged kids may have stayed away from my sister Mary or thought she was weird because she has Down Syndrome. But not Ben.”
Ben’s mother, Lisa Moser, echoed the same sentiment in an interview with BuzzFeed News. She explained that Ben was always an energetic, empathetic child who never hesitated to make sure Mary felt welcome and happy. The two shared a close bond throughout their early years in school.
A Fourth-Grade Promise
When Ben was in the fourth grade, he made a simple but heartfelt promise to Mary: he would take her to prom when they were older. It was the kind of childhood pledge that many forget over time. But for Ben, it was something he remembered and cherished.
As they moved into middle and high school, Ben and Mary ended up at different schools. Ben attended Susquehanna Township High School, while Mary went on to Central Dauphin High School. Despite the distance and the years apart, their bond was not forgotten.
Reuniting and a Memorable Promposal
The two schools eventually faced each other in a high school football game, and it was there that Ben and Mary were reunited. It was a chance meeting, but one that reignited their friendship—and reminded Ben of the promise he had made years ago.
Ben began planning a special “promposal” to ask Mary to the dance. He wanted to surprise her, and it worked. Mary was touched and excited by the gesture.
“I was going to go with some friends,” Mary said in an interview, “but I was happy and surprised Ben asked me.”
A Night to Remember
The big night came, and Ben and Mary attended prom at Mary’s school, Central Dauphin High School. The event was made even more special by the presence of their fourth-grade teacher, Tracey Spogli, who came to see them off and celebrate the lasting friendship between her former students.
Spogli spoke with BuzzFeed News about the moment and what it meant to her as an educator.
“Ben would always keep an eye out for Mary, making sure she was smiling and happy,” she recalled. “I referred to Mary as ‘Little Mary Sunshine’ because she was the sunshine in our classroom. The entire experience of that fourth-grade year was a very positive learning experience for the entire class.”
A Lesson in Kindness and Inclusion
Mary’s brother, Tom, praised Ben for his integrity and compassion, writing that Ben had “put a smile on Mary’s face & restored my faith in humanity.”
Lisa Moser, Ben’s mother, said her children were always taught to put others first and love with their hearts. She expressed how proud she was of her son, not just for keeping his promise but for doing so with humility.
“My heart just overflows with love watching Ben and Mary tell the story of their friendship,” she said. “If you ask Ben, he would say what he did wasn’t a big deal.”
Indeed, despite the widespread attention the story has received from national and local media outlets, Ben has remained humble. According to his mom, he hasn’t even read most of the articles written about him.
But Ben does have one small wish—he hopes that this story might help his friend Mary connect with her favorite musician, Nick Jonas. It’s a testament to how, even amid recognition and praise, Ben’s thoughts remain on others.
Conclusion
This story is more than just a sweet tale of a prom night. It’s a reminder of the power of kindness, the impact of inclusion, and the importance of keeping promises—especially the ones made in childhood. Ben and Mary’s friendship continues to inspire people across the country, showing that a simple act of kindness can resonate far beyond a school dance.
