Senior Assassin game underway in Salina as Class of 2026 takes part in annual water-tag tradition

An annual senior tradition is once again playing out around Salina, with local high school seniors participating in the popular “Senior Assassin” game.

The game, typically organized by members of the graduating class outside of school, involves students trying to eliminate one another from the competition using water guns or other harmless water-based tactics. As a result, residents may see teenagers hiding behind vehicles, waiting near public places, running through parking lots, or otherwise acting suspicious as they try to avoid being “tagged” by classmates.

While the activity can look unusual to anyone who is unaware of the game, it is generally part of a long-running senior tradition tied to the final weeks of the school year.

Participants often wear items such as goggles, floaties, or other playful gear as part of the competition, and the game is known for drawing attention as students attempt surprise eliminations at locations across town.

Residents who spot this kind of activity are encouraged to use common sense and pay attention to the situation, but in many cases, what they are seeing may simply be students taking part in the water-based elimination game.

For many seniors, the game serves as one last shared tradition before graduation.