Forget the final exams and the college commitment posts. The real drama at CHS is happening in the parking lots, grocery stores, and driveways. As the school year winds down, the Class of 2026 has officially entered survival mode for the most anticipated tradition of the year: Senior Assassin.

Organized by the Student Council Association (SCA), this isn’t an average game of playground tag. It’s a high-stakes, large-scale operation taking place entirely off-campus. The mission? Track down the assigned “target” and take them out with a well-aimed blast from a water gun before someone does the same to you.

With roughly 100 seniors in the running this year, the vibes are a chaotic mix of strategy and pure paranoia. To keep things interesting, the SCA has introduced some “safety” measures, though they aren’t exactly stylish. Students have been spotted wearing pool floats and swimming goggles in public just to stay in the game.

But don’t get too comfortable in that inflatable swan. On designated “kill days,” all immunity items are useless, and the stakes skyrocket.

While the glory of being the last one standing is great, the “pot” is definitely a motivator. Thanks to participant entry fees, this year’s prize pool has swelled to a massive $1,400. Last year, a tactical alliance saw five seniors split the winnings, but with a prize this big, it’s every assassin for themselves.

Despite the constant fear of getting soaked while grabbing a Starbucks, the game is about more than just the cash.

“It’s definitely stressful, but it’s also the most we’ve talked to each other as a whole class. You’re making alliances with people you’ve never even had a class with,” senior Jacob Palmerton said.

In these final weeks of high school, Senior Assassin is doing exactly what it was meant to do: bringing the class together for one last, hilarious, and very wet memory before graduation.

Stay alert, seniors. Everyone’s target is out there, but so are the assassins.