Raina Mishra

Seniors get assigned random classmates as “targets”. This fun tradition requires strategy, teamwork and critical thinking skills.

As the school year comes to an end and graduation approaches, seniors in schools across the country gather around for one of the most anticipated traditions of the school year: “Senior Assassin.” 

“Senior Assassin” is a student-run game of water tag the graduating class can pay to participate in. Seniors are assigned random students as targets whom they need to eliminate using water guns. Generally once a target is eliminated, they are officially out, but rules may vary between schools. The game goes on until there is only one senior left, and they will receive the prize pool of money.

For many, “Senior Assassin” is the last time all seniors bond together before bidding farewell to all the fond memories of their high school journey. It holds a deeper meaning for many students as they strategize, laugh and reminisce over all the fun times they spent together. The tradition has become a symbol for unity and alliance with all the upperclassmen.

Whether it be following their target home or planning secret surprise attacks, the elimination tactics “Senior Assassin” inspires turn the last few weeks before graduation into a core memory of a lifetime. It encourages people to be spontaneous and unique, as their eyes are on the grand cash prize.

Senior year can be stressful, especially with college decisions, scholarships and planning out the future. This fun game can be a refreshing break, offering seniors a chance to celebrate their hard work together. 

These kinds of experiences are what turn into a great story for generations to come. “This was a new tradition for me, as back home in Norway we didn’t play such games as a whole class together.” said senior Kristine Pretorius. “The experience was really unique and I feel like more countries need to have similar activities. If we did activities like this more often, students would want to be included and would want to come to school,”

However, these fun experiences can also turn into something more serious and sinister. Many communities are raising concern amid the danger of firearms. The potential risk of being mistaken as a real threat is extremely concerning. 

To keep this tradition alive, there should be precautions taken for safety. Certain boundaries should be set so seniors can enjoy this once in a lifetime experience without risking safety. “I recommend students follow all laws and rules of the games as they are typically designed to keep everyone safe” said deputy Jamey Fah. “Additionally I would encourage you to use toys that are quite obviously toys, so no one is mistaken as having a real weapon. Bright colors and non typical shapes are great examples”. 

The entire tradition lies around the desire to have fun and be together. “Senior Assassin” is not only about winning, as it centers the connections which grow during these elaborate water games. The competition is a chance to end the year with laughter, chaos and an abundance of memories.