Assassin Season
Seniors battle in annual free-for-all game
(From right to left) Cesar Ward takes out his workout buddy Bradley Barnett after a late night gym session.
As the school year comes to a close and seniors head down the home stretch, they must prepare themselves for the most stressful event of the year: Senior Assassin.
This game is a large free-for-all in which seniors are given a target they must “assassinate” within one week using any device that can get someone wet. Each person must focus on eliminating their target while avoiding the person who’s out to assassinate them. Once someone has been assassinated, they are eliminated and their assassin takes their target. The game continues until there is only one person left.
Of course a game like this has to have rules. There are various zones that are off-limits, such as Lafayette’s campus, school-sponsored events, and religious institutions. It’s also against the rules to shoot while a car is running. However, the rules of Assassin do not stop seniors from finding ways to assassinate their targets.
Many people are already familiar with Assassin, a game that seniors have played in years past. This year’s iteration is no different, as it serves to crown Lafayette’s ultimate Assassin. As nice as these bragging rights sound, seniors have not let the game affect their lives. Senior Lauren Roth says, “My schedule has changed a little bit, but I stay at home more than normal.” Trace Scordo, another senior, had a similar viewpoint. “My schedule hasn’t changed at all because I stay home all the time and my life is boring,” he shares.
Although seniors do not let Assassin affect their lives, they are in agreement that it is very stressful to walk around always knowing that someone is out to get you. “It is fun and goofy and a game, but it’s still very stressful and suspenseful because your assassin could be anywhere,” says Senior Leighton Holm. “I always look over my shoulder no matter where I go.”
The school environment has changed as well. Alliances are being formed as people try to gain an edge. But seniors are not the only class involved in this game– some upperclassmen are seeking help from their friends in other grades. As Trace Scordo put it, “Everyone is a snake, so you can’t trust anyone.” Friends turn into enemies as everyone tries to be the last one standing. Any public outing is an opportunity to get assassinated. It is rare for a student’s whereabouts to be unknown, with everyone at LHS knowing each other’s every move, such as what time their target gets off work, rehearsal, or practice. “I really can’t trust anyone anymore. It’s hard to make plans because you always think someone is out to get you. I have been staying in my house a lot more because my house is off limits but I am still a little scared when I go walk my dog,” says Lauren Roth.
Senior Assassin has been quite the fad all over Williamsburg, not just at Lafayette. With both Jamestown and Warhill High School participating in their own game, it seems as if all of Williamsburg is on edge during Assassin season. With the game coming to a close, the seniors at LHS would like to give some advice to future assassins. “Always stay strapped no matter where you go so you are always ready to kill and defend yourself,” says Trace Scordo. Lauren Roth adds, “Do not trust anybody and do not tell anybody your plans. Staying secretive is key.” Leighton Holm’s secret is that he “makes sure to remember it is just a game and try not to take it too seriously.”
This time of year is perfect for Senior Assassin, as it allows for seniors to take their mind off their last year in school before they go off to college and the real world. It allows the soon-to-be adults to be kids one last time and enjoy a little competition against the friends with whom they have grown up. Soon these seniors will be off doing their own thing, and Senior Assassin is one more memory that they can cherish.
