Ali and Brooke Kowalski are truly one (or two) of a kind at Metuchen High School. Even though they’re identical twins, they both have left incredible individual impacts on those around them at MHS. Ali and Brooke have had tremendous effects on the Metuchen community both inside and outside of the classroom. They’re brilliant students and hardworking athletes, but above all, they are kind and compassionate people.
Field hockey has been a defining part of Ali and Brooke’s lives. They’ve been playing since second grade, initially coached by their mom, and have found much success throughout their career. Beyond high school, they plan to play at a collegiate level at the University of New Haven. Since women’s field hockey isn’t as common a sport in the US as it is in other parts of the world, Ali and Brooke find it especially important to them. They’ve found a strong sense of community with the sport, Brooke explaining how they’ve “been able to lean on teammates and have teammates lean on them.” The twins have made very fond memories with field hockey, and the sport will surely continue to serve as an integral part of Ali and Brooke’s lives as they advance at UNH.
“Brooke Kowalski is a natural-born leader. From the moment I met her, I knew she was someone that would take charge and lead others in a way that makes people feel empowered and like their voice matters.”
“Ali Kowalski is someone who has mastered the art of empathy and kindness and because of it, allows others to be their authentic selves and feel accepted around her.”
“Together, the twins are the ultimate duo. They are what every teacher dreams of in a student, and what every coach hopes for in an athlete. As a teacher of students with multiple disabilities, the girls have embedded themselves in my classroom to make sure that everyone is included, safe, and accepted. Watching them mature into the amazing young women they are today has been nothing short of amazing! To know them, is to love them, and I am honored to fall in that category!” - Ms. Dybas
Ali and Brooke also both dedicate a lot of their time to KIND Veterinary Clinic in Martinsville, NJ where they have been volunteering for the past few years. Seeing as they both plan on becoming vets and attending veterinary school, hands-on experience is very important to them. At the clinic, they have the opportunity to observe surgeries and assist with various tasks including holding the animal, drawing blood, or performing dental cleanings. Both Ali and Brooke explained how they’ve always been drawn to animals, whether it was playing with puppies or hugging a seal at the aquarium. Ali even said, “I think we both knew even before freshman year that this is what we wanted to do,” which is especially notable, as even after high school, most people still struggle to identify their future careers.
“I had the pleasure of teaching Brooke for two years in Chemistry and in Physics, and I was always so impressed with her maturity and work ethic. Brooke is focused, driven, and determined to do well in everything she does. She is totally in tune with her own strengths and weaknesses, which is a rare quality to see present in a high school student. In Chemistry, we now teach all of our students a trick that she came up with herself to remember charges on the periodic table! As one of our female ice hockey players, she has become used to a world in which she is underestimated. She lets her hard work speak for itself no matter the situation. Brooke humbly finds success, and then quickly turns her thoughts to how she can do even better. Brooke is destined for great things, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for her.”
“Ali was only a freshman when I met her as a student in my Biology class. She quickly stood out to me as a bubbly, loving student who was able to maintain a friendship with anyone. She demonstrated extreme kindness to her peers who struggled more than others. She went out of her way to take care of others, putting her own needs aside to do the right thing. When I had Ali again in Chemistry, I was honestly thrilled. Ali reminds me of why I became a teacher. She is receptive to help, grateful, patient with others, and has this infectious smile and laugh that rubs off on everyone around her. Ali is incredibly positive and encouraging. She consistently sets a phenomenal example of how to persevere through adversity. I hope she stays true to herself moving forward, as she is a gift to our school community and to me personally.”
“The world needs more Kowalskis! I’d love to know what her parents’ secret recipe is. They have done a tremendous job in creating some of the most wonderful students, athletes, and role models that our school has. They have truly made their mark at MHS as Bulldogs. I am so proud of them both!” - Ms. Nalepa
Another important part of Ali and Brooke’s time at MHS has been the Unified PE program. Ali said, “I think that these kids are having just as much of an impact on us as we are on them. They’ve helped me grow as a human and I can truly be myself around them. Out of everyone at the school, I know that they’ll always clap the loudest.” Brooke continued this sentiment by saying, “Everyone at that program will always be there to support you. Everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed and grow as people.” This program has given Ali and Brooke an incredible opportunity to make long-lasting friendships with both the students and teachers involved in the program. It’s helped them grow and given them new perspectives on how their actions affect others, leaving them with valuable lessons, memories, and friendships to carry throughout their lives.
“Brooke is easily one of the most kind-hearted people I have ever met. She will put everyone else’s needs before her own, even in times where it is crucial she doesn’t. Her witty, bubbly nature can be felt by everyone around her. She just exudes sunshine! She is extremely committed to her field hockey team and is an amazing teammate. A part of Unified, Brooke makes students in Unified feel comfortable and is always there when they need her. I know I am not the only one that can attest to how wonderful she is, as she makes an impact on everyone around her!”
“Ali is the sister I never had! She knows what to say and when to say it. I know I am not alone in saying that I can be my best self around her. She makes everyone feel important and worthy. Ali’s dedication to field hockey is something I greatly admire, as she is always prepared when her season comes around. She also is in Unified, where she continues to make an impact on students every single day with her warm energy, and welcoming spirit. I am grateful to have someone like Ali in my life, and I am positive that others can say the same.” - Mehuli Mitra
Ali and Brooke have both committed academically and athletically to the University of New Haven where they’ll be playing DII Field Hockey and majoring in Biology and Pre-Medical Science with the hopes of attending veterinary school after their first four years. Being a student-athlete in college will certainly be challenging with two practices a day on top of regular classes and homework, but the twins are clearly experienced with time management, having had to manage a busy schedule all throughout high school. The Kowalskis originally intended on attending different schools in different states, but as the searching and recruitment process played out, they both fell in love with UNH and ultimately chose to stick together and commit to the same school.
Ali and Brooke obviously have a lot in common. Although they look identical and share many of the same interests and hobbies, there are plenty of differences that may not be as obvious. Ali described Brooke as much gentler when approaching situations while describing herself as more assertive and straight-forward. They explained how they “balance each other out,” especially when handling different situations. Ali and Brooke also shared how there are pros and cons when it comes to being an identical twin. They get fun perks, like pretending to be the other twin, but unfortunately, people often end up viewing them as the same person, rather than two individuals with different personalities.
“Ali and Brooke are not just my best friends—they are the sisters I’ve always longed for. When I moved here in 8th grade, I didn’t have many friends, but from the moment I met them, we instantly clicked. Initially, I was closer to Ali, and I’ll never forget the first time we hung out—she bought me candy and snacks from CVS, which perfectly reflects her kind and caring nature. Ali is incredibly sweet and always thinking of others. Whenever I’m having a tough day, she’s there to lift my spirits and put a smile on my face. Her passion and drive for the things she loves is truly inspiring. She is the epitome of the perfect best friend. Without her in my life, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I love her deeply, and I’m so thankful I moved here and had the privilege of meeting her.”
“Over the last two years, Brooke and I have become even closer, and she’s truly become a ray of sunshine in my life. Her infectious energy and constant laughter never fail to make me smile, and her positivity always brightens even my toughest days. I admire her passion for field hockey—her dedication to the sport is inspiring, and it reflects the same commitment she brings to everything she loves. Brooke has this incredible ability to make everything more fun and lighthearted, and she genuinely cares for everyone around her. Whether it's cheering me up, offering support, or just making me laugh, she has a way of making life feel so much brighter. I’m beyond grateful to have her by my side.” - Carolyn Norwood
Ali and Brooke are very involved members of the MHS community. Along with the Unified PE program and MHS field hockey, they are members of Bring Change to Mind and Breaking the Chain, and they are part of the organization Kylie’s Crew. Ali and Brooke share the same two role models: their mom and dad. They described how their mom taught them how to be independent and stay true to themselves, and their dad taught them how to have the right mindset and not to let what others say bring them down. Ali’s advice to underclassmen was, “If you don’t do it, someone else will,” explaining how people often take opportunities for granted, especially in a town like Metuchen. Brooke’s advice was to always stay true to yourself and not change who you are to fit into a “better crowd.” The Kowalski twins have become a crucial part of the Metuchen community and will be sorely missed by many. The immense positive impact they’ve had on Metuchen High School is undeniable, and it’s clear that the future has nothing but great things in store for both of them.
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