As the senior class here at Briar Woods prepares for graduation, many are participating in a tradition celebrated by high school seniors across the country: Senior Assassin. The objective of the game is to eliminate targets, while trying to avoid getting eliminated in the process. Players use water-based toys, such as water guns or water balloons. The popularity of Senior Assassin is undeniable, as every year, videos of players getting eliminated go viral on social media. But as the game continues to grow in popularity, more concern grows over the possible dangers of how the game is played.

The main concern regarding Senior Assassin is how the use of water guns can lead to misunderstandings between law enforcement and the players participating in the games. For example, in Germantown, Wisconsin, four high school students, dressed in all black clothing, were standing outside of an apartment complex with “AR style black guns”. After being stopped by police, the students were found to be wielding water guns which resembled real firearms. 

Because of incidents like this, LCPS has put out a statement to the student body, saying “We strongly discourage students from participating in this game due to the potential risks involved.” Despite disapproval from LCPS, however, students still decide to participate in the games. Briar Woods’ Senior Assassin banned the use of water guns, opting only water balloons to be allowed.

One participant, Catch Nickerson, said how participants could be mistaken, saying “I mean, at first glance, if you see someone in a bush with a gun, that’s very suspicious. You might not know if it’s a water gun at first glance.” He also said that he believes many students participate in the games for two reasons: money and prestige, “There’s some serious prestige to still be in the game, but the money is still a really big motivator.” 

Faculty member and father of Catch Nickerson, Ric Nickerson, also gave his reasons for student’s participation in the games, stating “Well I think the money is definitely a motivator, but there’s absolutely also a pride factor.” He also said how the organizers of this year’s Senior Assassin did, saying “All of this has been well run, I think the rules have helped keep people out of situations where kids have gotten into… I feel like the organizers here at Briar Woods have done a good job at reducing those risks.”