At a high school in suburban New York, nearly 500 students will graduate this weekend, with a remarkable presence of 30 sets of twins among them. The Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School grads share a close bond, having formed friendships since kindergarten, often thanks to parents who connected through a local twins club. Some groups of these twins maintain traditions like family vacations together, making their relationships not just familial but also deeply rooted in community. As graduation approaches, a group text chain serves as a source of support and connection for these twins navigating their newfound attention.
Sydney Monka, one of the twins, expressed the lively energy they create when together, stating, “the room is electric.” The unique dynamics among the graduating twins come not just from the shared experience of being twins but also from their distinct personalities. All 30 sets are fraternal twins, which means they are not identical but instead possess unique traits and characteristics separate from one another, despite sharing a last name. The pairs include both genders, and many have supportive sentiments regarding their sibling-like companionship. For Bari Cohen, who is headed to Indiana University, the bond with her brother Braydon is more than ordinary sibling dynamics; it’s a shared journey through life’s experiences.
Graduation day brings excitement tinged with curiosity about the phenomena of such a significant number of twins in one graduating class. With the school located in an affluent and predominantly white district, twins like Emily and Amanda Brake attribute their situation to sheer luck, humorously commenting on a common saying that suggests there’s “something in the water.” Others in the group, however, acknowledge a deeper cause, noting their family histories of twins. For instance, Arianna Cammareri mentioned that her parents struggled with infertility, leading them to in vitro fertilization, which is commonly linked to higher twin births.
The prevalence of twins is not entirely unique to this graduating class; historical data reveals significant cohorts at Plainview-Old Bethpage High School, having had 10 sets of twins in the previous two graduating years and nine pairs anticipated in the next incoming freshman class. Schools in other parts of the country also report considerable numbers, with Clovis North High School in California boasting 14 pairs and New Trier High School in Illinois holding the record with 44 pairs in a single class, according to Guinness World Records. Such cohort occurrences inspire curiosity about community genetic factors and social environments that may influence the likelihood of twin births.
Post-graduation plans reflect a mixture of choices for the twins, most of whom will attend different colleges. An exception exists in the case of Aiden and Chloe Manzo, both heading to the University of Florida to study business and live together in the same dormitory. Their decision underscores the reality that shared environments can ease transitions for twins navigating change during significant life milestones. Conversely, Emma and Kayla Leibowitz face the prospect of separation as they enroll in Binghamton and Syracuse University, approximately 80 miles apart. They intend to maintain their close bond with frequent visits—a testament to the strength of their connection.
While some twins look forward to shared experiences, others are eager for individuality. Sydney and Kayla Jasser chose different colleges to cultivate independence while pursuing their shared interest in fashion design. Their choice highlights a growing recognition among twins of the importance of personal growth and unique experiences, even within deep sibling bonds. Ultimately, this graduating class not only highlights the phenomenon of twin births but also encapsulates the nuanced balance between shared experiences and the pursuit of personal journeys as they prepare for life beyond high school.
