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ByMatteo Iadonisi
Monday, July 27, 2026 8:01PM
When this public transit employee surprised a student with a graduation gift, it led to another act of kindness in return.
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — Bill Vanish has been working for SEPTA for 40 years. He spent 35 years as a train driver before becoming a station assistant.
Every morning, he greets familiar faces like Central High School student Elana Maser.
The two became friends over the past four years. And as Maser’s graduation date grew closer, Vanish surprised her with a card.
Maser was so overjoyed that she felt compelled to write him a card back.
This exchange of acts of kindness culminated on Maser’s graduation day at The Kimmel Center. Vanish was there to congratulate her after the ceremony.
They further shared words of encouragement and took photos together on Broad Street.
Maser plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. Meanwhile, Vanish is preparing for a new chapter of his own. He plans to retire in the summer of 2027.
Watch the video above to see what this experience meant to them.
