ERHS seniors kicked off their Senior Assassin game on March 17th! The game originated in the 70s, and then gained popularity in the 2010s as a way for seniors to celebrate their final months of high school. During the game, players attempt to “eliminate” their targets using water guns in hopes of being the last remaining duo. Goggles and floaties can be used as protection against being attacked. The game has advanced since it was created, now utilizing an app called “Splashin” to record and play the game.
There has been vigorous preparation that has gone into making the game run smoothly. The administration team for the game consists of seniors Ritee Singh, Kira Moore, Bailey Spells, and Iris Gaycken. Spells explained having difficulties “deciding between single players or duos, specific rules to follow, and collecting everyone’s money.” The winning prize pool for the last duo standing out of 110 is over $500.
For many participants, the competition has become intense, especially following a controversial incident that has sparked debate among players Zachary Simmons and Leon Bailey, seniors at ERHS. Throughout the game, Simmons’ strategy has focused heavily on tracking and planning. He explained, “[my] tactic to win this is to get as much information on [my] targets as possible.” This level of dedication shows how seriously some seniors are approaching the game. The controversy escalated after an incident where Bailey followed Simmons on the road for 30 minutes. When the car pulled to a stop, Bailey opened Simmons’ door without permission, which raised questions about whether certain actions should count within the rules.
After a public poll, it was ruled that the assassination didn’t count, and Simmons would stay in the game. Reflecting on the situation, Simmons admitted, “[I] didn’t feel great, but [I’m] not out, and it didn’t count,” highlighting the confusion and mixed feelings surrounding enforcement of the rules. Leon Bailey mentions that “after [I] found out the elimination didn’t count [I] was definitely annoyed.” Despite the controversy, the senior class is making the most of the experience and is excited to see who wins.