Round one of the annual game of Senior Assassins started on January 28th, when targets were assigned, and the hunt commenced. But does the game truly hold the fun-loving effect it was designed to have?
NNHS principal Jay Wachtel calls the game a “Seemingly innocent, seemingly fun thing, but it’s all the unintended stuff [that make the game dangerous].”
A basic overview of the game is that participating seniors each get a “target” they must “eliminate” with a water gun while avoiding being eliminated by the person who was assigned to eliminate them. The last person standing (and others who won certain awards) win a cash prize. There are specifics and rules that can be found on the official Instagram, run by Naperville North senior Karina Bassi. The tradition seems to be holding its popularity within the senior class, though it is continuously discouraged by administrators.
While looking back on previous years’ incidents with Senior Assassins, Wachtel shares his thoughts.
“I can see why it’s a blast. I totally get it […] It would almost be better if it only happened on our campus. But that would be way too distracting for learning,” Wachtel said.
The NNHS and NCHS administration sent out an email calling Senior Assassins a dangerous activity because they have seen some questionable actions the game has caused. Problems include driving erratically or hiding by someone’s house with something that looks like a weapon.
On the flip side, Bassi, who runs the game, says that if the rules are followed, it could create community within the senior class.
“Second semester senior year, everyone’s always up for anything. They’re just trying to have fun and enjoy it, and I think this is a great way to do that.” Bassi said.
Many wonder if the positives outweigh the negatives. One suggestion Wachtel gave to reduce panic throughout the community is to make more people aware of the game.
“I’m not saying, just turn a blind eye, but it’d be good if people knew [before] they were horrifically alarmed,” Wachtel said.
The idea implies that if people knew about the game and saw it being played, they wouldn’t immediately assume the worst.
The game seems to be generally positive, with some risks. The outcome is all up to the players.
“You’re not going to know who your target is … it might not be someone you talk to. It makes you interested in, oh, who is this person? What do they do in their life? How can I find them?” Bassi says.
