Filmed by the MHS Media Club
Rowan Brown is truly one of a kind when it comes to MHS students. While many simply know him as “the bake sale kid,” it’s obvious that his drive and enthusiasm stem much deeper than garnering sales for baked goods. He genuinely has a positive impact on everyone around him and is incredibly dedicated to his multitude of duties, classes, and extracurricular activities. Rowan is truly committed to his work and activities, displaying a real care for everything he does, setting him apart from the rest of the students at MHS. He’s made authentic and strong connections with everyone around him, whether that be students or teachers.
“Rowan is practically a member of the faculty; he arrives at school every day before any of us - I think he has his own set of keys to the place. Before I even had him in class, I knew him as the "bake sale kid": always hustling around at 6:30 am, taking down old flyers, replacing them with new ones, and harassing me to go support his various causes by purchasing deliciously unhealthy baked goods. Now, I have been fortunate enough to have him in class for 2 consecutive years, and he brings that same 'bake sale energy' to class every day: he's friendly, respectful to all, works hard, and will even admit to occasionally enjoying math. I'm very worried - the school might fall apart next year without him.” - Mr. Murray
Rowan has made his mark at MHS, establishing himself as an integral part of the school, arriving two hours early every single day with constant determination. He channels this determination into the various clubs and activities he’s involved in. As Student Council Executive President, co-president of the Environmental Club, a member of Breaking the Chain, Spanish Club and ASL Club, he clearly has his hands full.
“Rowan has made such a positive impact here at Metuchen High. He has dedicated so much time into getting to know every student and cares about what their experience at school is like. He encourages people to participate in student council and other clubs where he’s able to promote a positive school community. Rowan does so much behind the scenes that so many people don’t know about, but the senior class owes so much to Rowan. Whether he stops you in the hall to ask you how your day has been, or is tirelessly working as our school president, Rowan always has a smile on his face and is someone that Metuchen High can count on. - Hannah Mindler
One of Rowan’s various contributions to the school is student council. Rowan joined student council as a member of the student body during his freshman year. He enjoyed student council as a whole but felt that the executive board wasn’t pursuing the goals he had in mind when he joined. So, he took matters into his own hands, surprising himself and running for president. He won and continued his presidency through his junior year, serving as a leader and a role model for both his grade and the rest of the school. He loves the morning meetings and collaboration between students, especially the “determined but tired look” on the faces of fellow council members as they work together to solve issues and come up with ideas. This year, Rowan is stepping into the role of Executive President where he hopes he can guide the rest of the classes, increase profits of fundraisers, and elevate school spirit by making sure the school population is aware and excited about upcoming events. It’s safe to say that Rowan will make a great leader and example to the entire school this upcoming year.
In addition to his role as school-wide Executive President, Rowan is also co-president of the Environmental Club at MHS. He certainly does his part for the environment, acting as a caretaker for the school grounds, participating in climate change challenges, aiding in recertifying MHS as a sustainable school, and simply being environmentally aware. Rowan has a very specific and insightful mindset when it comes to environmental sustainability. In summary, he explained that the Earth itself doesn’t care about climate change, but as humans, we do care; making environmental changes isn’t for the good of the world but for the quality of life of the people who live on it. Rowan believes it’s small things that will create a cumulative effect and make real change. He explains, “I don’t expect people to be going around their house turning off their lights…but it’s the little things.” Being environmentally conscious and simple actions like recycling are all someone needs to do to make a difference. Rowan's dedication to the environment, as well as all the organizations he is a part of, is impressive and inspiring.
“Rowan brings his own whole vibe to everything he does. He just kind of tackles everything with a level of enthusiasm and positivity that you don't see all that often. It's very cool.” - Mr. Schlavis
Rowan is also involved with various other organizations, one of which is Breaking the Chain. He believes that the mission of Breaking the Chain, a program that has the goal of stopping child trafficking in Ghana, is of utmost importance and aids in both organizing events as well as informing others of the issues they are trying to solve. Rowan is also an active member of the Spanish Club, believing it to be a great supplement to Spanish class or an introduction for some to Spanish food and culture. He’s also a member of ASL club, a club he describes as having a “chill environment” and a place to both learn and relax.
While very involved in programs within MHS, Rowan is also involved with incredible programs outside of school. He’s an active member of a program called “Voter Choice New Jersey” which advocates for ranked-choice voting, a system in which voters rank candidates in order of preference, instead of choosing just one. Within Voter Choice NJ, Rowan puts his talents to good use, lobbying politicians and meeting with senators or state legislators to forward the movement of ranked-choice voting, which Rowan believes will be beneficial and an improvement to the current voting system. Rowan genuinely believes that a lot of these politicians really want the best for society and while he says, “the most extreme voices speak the loudest,” most are fairly balanced, teaching him a valuable lesson.
Rowan is clearly a valuable member of MHS but unfortunately, his time here is coming to a close. When reflecting on his time here at MHS, he recounts his favorite memory as being the days leading up to Christmas break. More specifically, when the band is playing Christmas carols out in front of the school, and he can give away baked goods to the people playing. He said it simply makes him happy, displaying his pure unselfishness and kindness, something that brings joy to both himself and the people around him. He also displayed the love he has for the staff at MHS, where he listed teachers that had the greatest impact on him, including Mrs. Blaze, Ms. Baird and Mr. Robbins. He specifically mentioned Mr. Stike and Mr. Porowski, who he jokingly said had to “contend with my proposals throughout the years.” He also raved about the Spanish department and guidance department, both of which have had positive impacts on him. He further explains that he believes MHS doesn’t have a single bad teacher, and it’s clear that the teachers at MHS reciprocate the love he has for them, some even saying that Rowan doesn’t feel like a student at all, but a fellow staff member.
“I feel like I've known Rowan since he was a freshman even though I've only had him as a student this year. I think this is because Rowan is a rare student that you only get a few times in an entire career. I swear he's a 75-year old man trapped in a teenager's body. He is wise beyond his years. He is so personable. Most of all, he's got a good heart. He just has a positive attitude about everything that is both refreshing and infectious. It's odd because at times, he doesn't feel like a student but a fellow colleague.” - Mr. Levy
Rowan believes that his determination and dedication has been largely inspired by his grandmother. He explained her impressive life as she worked incredibly hard to attend university in Britain and eventually worked hard enough to immigrate to the US. Her drive to achieve the goals she set for herself largely inspires him, describing her as strong-willed and resolute, words that are also often used to describe Rowan himself.
“While Rowan may haggle you to buy some food, he is one of the most dedicated and motivated people you will ever meet.” - Jacob Leber
Rowan plans on attending college and is currently working through the college admissions process, an admittedly tedious affair. While he doesn’t have any specific schools in mind, he plans on applying to a large number of them, with Yale being his dream school. He’s also in the process of narrowing down his major and is between various majors like political science, international relations, law, and public policy. However, he does know for sure that he intends to go into a field where he can make a change, help people, and have a positive impact. The college admissions process has also taught him that it’s less about the college and more about the passion you have and the effort you’re willing to put in, whether it be for a job, a college, or wherever life may take you.
“For most of my high school career, I knew Rowan as a dedicated student and member of the student council who was most famous for his relentless salesmen-like tactics during bake sales. However, it was only this year that I began to know him as a loyal classmate, a caring person, and a brilliant mind. Rowan will have no shortage of opportunities ahead of him, and I can’t wait to follow his journey.” - Sydney Gordesky
Rowan also offered another powerful piece of advice which was to “value your mental health over your grades.” An accomplished student both academically and extracurricularly, Rowan believes that mental health should always be held to a higher standard than grades. He’s a firm believer in not overdoing it and ensuring one’s health above all else. Throughout his years at the high school, Rowan has made an astounding impact on everyone here at MHS. He is a model student and a person who genuinely cares for those around him. No matter what the future holds for Rowan Brown, it’s been made quite clear that he has nothing but the best in store for him as he continues his journey beyond the campus of Metuchen High School. A large, irreplaceable hole will be left in his place after he leaves MHS, as he has become an integral part of the school and our community as a whole.
By: James Vissichelli
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