The Newington High School community suffered a wave of incomprehensible shock and grief when two young lives were ripped away in the space of 24 hours in the fall of 1997. Junior Bob Aniello committed suicide on Tuesday, November 18, 1997, and freshman Jen Partridge was struck by a car and killed while riding her bike the next day, Wednesday, November 19. Bob -- known as "BoB" to many of his friends -- was just 16 years old; Jen was only 14. This page stands as an ongoing tribute and memorial to these two wonderful human beings.
Click here to read the previous guestbook entries.
Bob's father, Lenny Aniello, had this to say when he signed the memorial guestbook: "I would just like to express the appreciation of myself and all of my family for the presence of all the NHS students who attended Bobby's wake and services. You'll never know just how much it really meant to all of us... so I won't try any more than to give you all a heartfelt 'thanks'."
In the days immediately following the tragedies, students put up memorials at Bob's and Jen's lockers at the high school. In addition, a roadside memorial for Jen has been set up near the spot where she was hit.
Many students have also written poetry in honor of their friends.
"This isn't a goodbye
I know you're still here
But still I have the tears."
--written in honor of Jen
Click here to read a poem written in September by the late Bob Aniello.
Robert Michael Aniello June 20, 1981 - November 18, 1997
Jennifer Marie Partridge May 4, 1983 - November 19, 1997