As February 2 approaches, Costa seniors will have to navigate everyday life for the next few months with extreme caution. Senior Assassin, a senior-run game whose organizers remain anonymous, has become a highly anticipated tradition that many students say adds excitement to the final months of high school.
Senior Assassin is made up of two hundred teams, each made up of two players, with an entry fee of $10 to participate. Once the game begins, each team will receive assigned targets and attempt to eliminate, or “assassinate,” them using water guns. The competition is expected to continue through June 5, when the final remaining team will be declared the winner and split a cash prize.
“I’m so excited for the game to begin,” said senior Kendal Syverson. “This is going to be the most fun thing of my senior year.”
Although the game is not affiliated with Costa, it operates under a clear set of rules designed to prioritize safety. While playing, goggles are needed to be ‘safe’ from getting sprayed, and Saturdays enforce constant goggle use to remain protected. School is a constant safe zone for all students, allowing campus to remain a neutral zone during school and extracurriculars.
“I signed up because it’s just such a fun tradition,” said senior Landry Tucker. “And I’m so excited for the games to begin.”
One of the most talked about features of Senior Assassin is the weekly “purge day,” occurring on Sundays: goggles do not provide safety, meaning it’s everyone for themselves. This is expected to significantly change how participants plan their weekends, as even everyday routine activities could carry risk.
“Purge day will definitely be a little scary,” said senior Dylan Feakins. “But I’ll be more than ready for them.”
With teams forming, and strategies already being discussed, many seniors are beginning to think ahead about how the game may affect everyday life. Some participants say they plan to always carry goggles, while others are coordinating schedules with their teammates to avoid being caught alone.
“Me and my teammate are more than ready for senior assassin,” said Tucker. “We’ve heard tips from last year, and can’t wait to use them.”
Because the game’s organizers remain anonymous, all communication regarding rules, targets, and updates will be distributed digitally via Instagram. This secrecy has been a defining feature of Senior Assassin, and adds another layer of suspense to the experience.
“I think it’s smart for the organizers to stay anonymous,” said senior Sage Meidroth. “That way, no one gets mad at them for things like selecting targets to be their friends.”
While the prize amount has not been officially revealed yet, students say the appeal of Senior Assassin lies more in the experience than the outcome. The game provides seniors with a shared event during their final semester, encouraging teamwork, strategy, and a break from the academic routine.
“This event is such a fun way to bond with our grade in our final months together,” said Feakins.
Seniors are preparing for months of heightened awareness and unpredictable moments as the February 2 start date draws close. By the time the game ends around June 5, or sooner depending on how the games go, many expect Senior Assassin to become one of the most memorable parts of senior year.
“It’s bittersweet knowing these are the final moments of our senior class all together,” senior Danica Blackman said. “It’ll be sad once it’s over, but it’ll be so much fun in the moment.”
Leave a Reply