As the final weeks of high school approach, IHS seniors are participating in a newly found tradition to celebrate their last days together, Senior Assassin. The game, both competitive and chaotic, has become a staple in the senior experience, providing a mix of suspense, humor, and high-stakes water warfare.
The concept of the game is simple, each player is assigned a target to “eliminate” using a small plastic water gun. When successful, that player inherits their target’s next assignment. With a $600 grand prize and $200 reward for the player with the most eliminations, the competition is intense for IHS seniors.
Although this game comes with intense competition, it is not a free-for-all. The app we use, Splashapp, contains strict safety guidelines each student must agree with to participate. Students must use brightly colored, clearly toy-like water guns, and swimming goggles to serve as a form of protection. These rules are crucial to avoiding confusion and conflicts that have led to police involvement in other districts.
Earlier this year, in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, a senior dressed in camouflage carrying a realistic-looking toy gun resulted in a serious police response. Incidents like this have pushed seniors and apps like Splashapp to set clear guidelines for the game; these rules place emphasis on community safety and responsible play.
At IHS, students are taking the challenge seriously while also finding humor within eliminations. Senior Taryn Desmond shared her favorite elimination, “Massimo got Lila and she screamed at the top of her lungs; it was so funny. And when Emily got Ryan, he didn’t even react, just stood there silently; That one was really funny.” Massimo Pinksy, another player, recalled his proudest elimination: “I got Avery right after my lacrosse game. She was coming out of the Porter Potty. It was perfect timing.” Beyond the entertainment, the game has brought out strong emotions. Some students admit it’s changed how they go about daily life. “I’m definitely more cautious,” said Massimo. “I have to wear goggles to the gym, and I’m always checking if I can get my target.” Taryn added, “It’s made me realize some people take this really seriously. Like there are people who camp out for five hours and chase people around.”
Trust plays a big role. Despite forming pacts with close friends, both Taryn and Massimo noted that betrayal is part of the game. “One of my friends lied about having someone and set them up to eliminate them,” Massimo explained. Still, many students join for more than just the prize money. For some, it’s about reliving childhood games or simply being part of a shared senior memory. “I’ve always liked playing spy games,” Massimo said. “This is like a real-life version of that.”
As the game continues, seniors remain alert, water guns ready, and goggles always in reach. No matter the outcome, winning or being eliminated, each senior comes out of the game with a fun new experience that our class will always be able to bond over
