Senior Assassin is a popular tradition among high school students across the nation. The game involves high school seniors who target each other with water guns, in hopes of being the last ones in the game. If a student happens to get hit with a water gun, they are out.
From what I’ve observed and heard from the seniors in my life, it is a fun way to bring an end to the school year and connect with others. From a student’s perspective, it is a competitive yet harmless experience that is truly looked forward to. Although it has brought up some possible concerns among staff members. Bradley Kaplan and Jeffrey Collons, both staff members at East, have provided some of their personal experiences and perspectives on this popular tradition. Additionally, School Resource Officer Detective Jennifer Larson has also given her opinion on the matter. Everyone seems to believe that it is a fun concept, but it can lead to problems if not handled safely or responsibly.
“While I’m for having fun as Seniors, I do feel this event can lead to students getting in trouble, hurt or endangering others trying to get their target. I’ve read sad stories in other neighboring towns or states where this event has gotten out of hand,” said Kaplan. “I’ve seen strategizing and funny escapes by athletes, but at the same time, I think this is a disaster waiting to happen.” Kaplan has worked with many athletes in his time at East, a lot of them being seniors. He has clearly had some experience with the game, realizing that it can be fun, but also knows the problems it can instigate.
Collons also has a similar opinion on the matter, “The premise of Senior Assassin is fun and harmless, but there are definitely some unintended consequences. The appearance of the game can be alarming to community members who don’t know it’s happening and could cause concern.”
Detective Larson has some concerns of her own regarding the water guns used in the game. “Many of the weapons chosen that I have seen on the various Instagram pages throughout the years are concerning due to them looking like real firearms. Firearms come in all colors and makes, so assuming that since you got a white or purple one, [people] will think it’s a water gun is unrealistic,” she said. “This game can also be disruptive and encourage the breaking of laws like criminal trespass to land, disorderly conduct, criminal damage, to name a few. Additionally, we have seen electronic harassment as a fallout of this game.” From an officer’s perspective, there are clearly problems and complications that Senior Assassin has raised regarding the safety of the students participating, as well as people in the community.
To conclude, it is clear that there are both positive and negative effects of the well-loved tradition. Based on both Kaplan and Collons’ responses and our glimpse into Detective Larson’s encounters with Senior Assassin, it can be a fun way to end the year, as long as students make the right choices and keep their safety at the forefront of their minds. The point is, safety comes first.
