High School Quarterback Remembers A Promise He Made 7 Years Ago, Takes Friend With Down Syndrome To Prom

May 14, 2015

Ben Moser and Mary Lapkowicz met for the first time in fourth grade.

"A lot of grade-school aged kids may have stayed away from my sister Mary or thought she was weird because she has Downs Syndrome," Mary's brother wrote. "But not Ben. He always looked out for her, always made sure to pick her on his team at recess and even made a promise to her in 4th grade to take her to the prom someday."

high school qb takes girl with down syndrome to prom 7 years later
Facebook

"He watched over her constantly," their fourth grade teacher, Tracey Spogli, told The Patriot-News. "If she was looking like she wasn't having fun, he would go over and talk to her. He would pull her in to whatever activity they were doing. He just always watched out for her."

high school qb takes girl with down syndrome to prom 7 years later
Facebook

Ben and Mary ended up going to different high schools in Pennsylvania, but they reconnected at a football game between the rival teams - Ben playing quarterback and Mary helping manage her team.

That's when Ben remembered his promise.

high school qb takes girl with down syndrome to prom 7 years later
Facebook

Ben's mom shared on Facebook:

"Today was probably the proudest I have ever been of my son in his lifetime to date! He has accomplished many things on the football field, on the baseball field, in the classroom, and just in his life. He has grown into a man with a big heart, a deep sense of putting others first, and most of all making people feel special and loved. Today with joyful tears in my eyes and down my face I watched a promise made, 7 years ago, to a beautiful girl fulfilled."

high school qb takes girl with down syndrome to prom 7 years later
Facebook

high school qb takes girl with down syndrome to prom 7 years later
Ben with his Mom / Facebook

prom
Credit: Mark Pynes

(H/T) Entertainment Tonight.