Senior Assassin is a popular game that high school seniors across the country play every spring. On May 8, MCPS sent an email warning families that the water guns that students use to play Senior Assassin can resemble actual weapons and that the game can lead to other unlawful behavior. The Warrior takes sides on whether the game is harmless fun or potentially dangerous.

Criticism Unwarranted

by Ziv Golan ’26

Senior Assassin involves teams competing in a tag-like competition where seniors are eliminated after getting sprayed with a water gun. The last person standing at the end wins the game for their team. The game reportedly has been criticized by some parents and others for being unsafe, leading to dangerous instances including reckless driving. However, there has not been a known case in Montgomery County of the game leading to a driving accident, arrest, or even a speeding ticket. Senior Assassin is played purely for fun and encourages bonding among members of the senior classes at countless schools.

Senior Assassin has been a staple at American high schools for years and has even seeped its way into multiple popular TV shows and movies. Ground rules such as not allowing the game to be played at school allow for a safe environment that is not disruptive. A crucial part of senior year is being able to connect with fellow students while still in high school and this game fosters that culture of belonging and inclusivity. Students are given an opportunity to get to know people they may have never talked to before. The game isn’t forced onto anyone and every student who enters does so willingly. Senior Assassin is so deservingly popular because it’s a great way for graduating seniors to have fun and friendly competition before high school ends.

Potential Dangers

by Katie Ng ’25

Although Senior Assassin is fun for the seniors who play, MCPS is accurately pointing out its risks by noting that some players will resort to unsafe and potentially unlawful behavior while playing the game. Hence, while it is important for seniors to enjoy the last months of high school and celebrate their impending graduation, playing Senior Assassin may have adverse consequences, so it is important for seniors to consider safety and well-being.

For one, Senior Assassin can lead to reckless driving. Seniors may drive in unsafe manners to get away from or chase after opponents. Seniors need to remember law enforcement can give expensive tickets or more, so it is imperative they not lose sight of driving safely. Furthermore, since seniors play Senior Assassin outside of school, they may accidentally trespass others’ property. It’s not impossible to imagine what could go really wrong if an unsuspecting person sees one or more teens hiding in their yard with what looks like a gun in their hands. Lastly, while seniors acknowledge others will record them when they sign up to play the game, because of the game’s surprising nature, they may feel embarrassed when they are recorded getting eliminated. Senior Assassin shouldn’t be banned for seniors who want to play it, but it’s also not necessarily harmless fun.