The final round of “Senior Assassins” will conclude this week with a long-awaited victor. The game, though officially unaffiliated with Lawrence High, plays a special part in the grandeur that is second semester for the graduating class. Players are assigned targets weekly to “eliminate” with water guns. Once shot, that player is out. Few are left within a few weeks, and eliminations are tracked via an Instagram account, run by juniors.
Every senior participating contributes $5 upon entry, to be collected as the final cash prize for the winner.
“I think everyone is really invested in the 340 dollars,” senior Ivy Roman said. She made it to the third round, and witnessed significant controversy regarding rules.
“I personally was angry at the people running the [Instagram] account because they changed the rules and would add new people, and were biased,” she said.
Each year, the game creates drama. Senior Reese Dannevik says the amount of drama depends on how invested players are in the game.
“I definitely didn’t want anything to come between me and people, but it did,” she said. “It just depends on how serious you’re taking it.”
Dannevik is among the four players entering the final round this week.
“I’ve made it pretty far, which is surprising, because I haven’t taken it that seriously,” she said. “I’m just kinda in it for the fun.”
Senior Jessica Sayler enjoyed the excitement of the competition.
“I get kind of a thrill trying to hunt somebody down,” she said. “Right before you shoot them or something, it’s like your heartbeat is beating so fast.”
Roman believes that’s what the game is about.
“I think people should have fun, they shouldn’t be trying to fight people and tackle them,” Roman said.
Sayler agreed.
“I had a personal experience with the drama, and it’s like, a he-said-she-said type of thing,” she explained. “I really don’t think it’s worth it.”
Senior second semester is a rush for graduation. Games like “Senior Assassins” either make the time more fun, or more stressful.
“I mean, it’s my last semester of school ever,” Sayler said. “I kind of wish people would try to have more fun with it.”
