Students have begun a lengthy chase of stalking, hiding, and most importantly, eliminating their targets with water. While the game, Senior Assassins, began on September 2, it has already sparked controversy among staff and students.
For over a decade, CHS students have looked to the activity as a senior year staple, drawing hundreds of participants. As seniors compete in pairs, each team contributes $20 toward a cash pool won by the last team standing. While this monetary prize is at stake, more view the game as a lighthearted bonding activity.
“A bunch of the seniors I know recommend it… I think that [it] brings a lot of people together and creates more of a community,” junior Anna Kim said.
The senior assassins game requires a level of investigation that results in both camaraderie and collaboration. Those who get out have the chance to re-join, making the lively competition all the more enticing. This senior-year staple is even viewed fondly by contestants who have been eliminated.
“I think the biggest benefit is just making memories… It’s a fun way to connect with people that you don’t know because you’re asking people ‘oh do you know them?’ trying to get information on your target,” senior Camila Preciado said.
As the game is not run by the administration due to safety concerns, seniors took the initiative to organize it themselves. Though the community activity seems to be all fun and games, nearly every year, infringements on privacy and online and in-person stalking call for rule adjustments. Students have reported feeling violated at their workplace or sports practices, or even betrayed by close friends. One anonymous source fears how these issues could escalate.
“I have a friend whose kid was driving a student [for Senior Assassins] in Arizona just a couple weeks ago,” the source said. “Unfortunately, he ended up dying in an accident when the senior wanted to go after his target. So, coming off of that tragic news, I’m definitely more wary of the whole thing.”
While an occurrence of this extremity has not yet occurred with Carlsbad’s game, recent incidents have made room for concern. Though staff recognize the game’s community connection between seniors and light-hearted aspects, they also aim to be proactive and avoid any student casualties or emotional distress.
“Just from the things I hear from people talking, people get pretty dialed in on sneaking [around]… I understand people get competitive…I just don’t want it to turn into people getting upset at other people,” campus Police Officer Mazzocco said. “Because really, it’s just a game, right? If it can’t be fun, then we shouldn’t be doing it.”
While Senior Assassins can pose a concern for student safety and privacy at times, it is ultimately recognized as an exciting tradition. When the proper precautions are taken, the game remains a positive experience for students, keeping teens socially connected and having fun.
“I think it’s always cool when you guys come up with ideas to make things fun…” Mazzocco said. “And as far as I know, I haven’t really had anybody come to me from the public or officers who have dealt with issues regarding it. But just the deal itself, I think it’s pretty cool.”
