Reese Armstrong
Senior Reese Armstrong (right) eliminates senior Lea Bygrave from the Senior Assassin competition on April 7.
The annual Senior Assassin competition ended on April 24, four weeks after the game began on March 24. Senior Alex Pollan defeated about 100 other seniors in the student-run elimination contest, involving strategy, suspense and water guns.
Students had different strategies for the game.
“I [would] literally just stalk people’s location and try to catch them off guard,” senior Reese Armstrong said. “Like the first guy I got, I just showed up to his house unexpectedly, and his brother opened the door, so I walked in and shot him.”
Armstrong used both unpredictability and caution to her advantage. She would park inside her garage, avoid being home, and always wear goggles to stay immune from attack.
Sydney Cooper said her luck and preparation helped her stay alive for as long as she did.
“My main strategy was just having my goggles and gun on me at all times—even in the gym,” Cooper said. “The people who had me were kind of stupid, honestly. One girl just rang my doorbell, and I was like, ‘I’m not answering that.’”
Even in defeat, Cooper emphasized the fun and community aspect of the game, sharing how she was eventually eliminated after watching a movie with friends.
“She waited outside the entire two hours,” Cooper said. “At that point, I just let her have it. That’s real dedication.”
Senior Sean Duran had his own close call before being eliminated.
“Two people were waiting outside my car,” Duran said. “But my friend called me, picked me up, and we drove away.”
When asked why he joined the game, Duran’s motivation was simple.
“I just did it because I wanted to do something with my class,” Duran said.
Senior Trenton Keesee said his time playing was fun, despite being eliminated due to a risky choice.
“I probably wouldn’t have taken the motorcycle that day,” Keesee said. “You can’t wear goggles with a helmet. I got home and someone just popped me.”
For Keesee, the game was mostly positive — even with the occasional drama.
“There’s always arguing about whether a kill was legal or not, but overall I think it brought our class together,” he said.
Administrators were aware of the game, and while they don’t organize it, they acknowledged its impact.
“Anything that builds community among friends or peers — if it’s fun and engaging — I get excited for it,” Assistant Principal Glenn Webb said. “It’s something they’ll talk about for years.”
Webb also noted his concerns, especially regarding safety and school policy.
“My biggest concern is making sure it doesn’t impact learning or involve dangerous situations, like driving,” Webb said. “It has to stay safe and off-campus.”
Still, Webb hopes the tradition continues in a safe, student-led way.
“If they follow the rules and have fun, this is something they’ll remember forever,” he said.
By Jenna Naters