By Madison Parisien
As the school year winds down, some students at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI) are taking part in one of the most talked-about traditions among graduating classes, the “Splashin’ Game,” also known as Senior Assassin.
The game, which has become popular at high schools across North America, involves Grade 12 students attempting to “eliminate” one another using water guns while avoiding being eliminated themselves. Participants are assigned targets and must secretly track them down outside of school hours. Once a player successfully splashes their assigned target, they move on to the next person in the game.
The competition is all good fun, students say the game has added excitement and suspense to the final weeks of the school year. Social media posts, disguises, strategic planning, and surprise encounters have all become part of the experience as seniors try to stay in the game for as long as possible.
At VCI, many students see the Splashin’ Game as a memorable way to celebrate the end of high school and spend time with classmates before graduation. The game encourages friendly competition while creating moments students are likely to remember long after leaving secondary school.
However, organizers and participants also stress the importance of safety and responsibility. Students are reminded not to play on school property during class time, avoid unsafe situations, and ensure all water guns look clearly like toys. Respect for personal boundaries and community members is also being emphasized throughout the competition.
Both the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have expressed concerns about the game because of the use of water guns that may be mistaken for real firearms, that non-participating individuals, or vulnerable individuals may be targeted.
As eliminations continue and the list of remaining players grows smaller, excitement around the game continues to build within the graduating class. For many VCI seniors, the Splashin’ Game has become more than just a competition, it is one final tradition before they move on to the next chapter of their lives.
