Hoban seniors work to eliminate their assigned targets by the allotted deadline. The winner of the game will receive the cash jackpot. PHOTOS COURTESY OF @hobanseniorassassin.2026 ON INSTAGRAM

As the 2026 school year comes to an end, seniors are packing their schedules with last minute festivities: prom, alumni breakfast, seniors’ last mass and graduation. Amid the chaos of revered traditions, a new favorite has risen to popularity amongst the Hoban community and taken the Castle by storm. 

“Senior Assassin” is a popular, student-run elimination game, where high school seniors pay to play. The objective is for students to use water guns to eliminate assigned targets in an attempt to be the last man standing and win the cash jackpot, combined with everyone’s entrance fees. 

While game rules and restrictions vary from school to school, Hoban’s game is not an official school activity. Seniors have independently organized the entire game and outlined a specific set of rules on @hobanseniorassassin.2026 through Instagram:

1. “Safety Items” are goggles. They must be worn on your head to provide immunity. 
2. To make an elimination, you can use water guns or splash your target with water.
3. All seniors must eliminate their assignment and avoid getting assassinated by the deadline, or a bounty will be issued where anyone can get you out. 
4. Must film all eliminations — if we don’t see it, it didn’t happen. 
5. Most importantly: Be mindful and respectful. Make smart choices. 

Hoban has utilized the “Splashin” app to track targets, post eliminations, and communicate with fellow players, which was all organized by game-master senior Rachel Greer.

“It’s been a great way to build community, strengthen friendships and just bring all the seniors together for one last hoorah,” said Greer. 

While the game originated as a playful and fun senior experience, it has taken a competitive turn.      

“I’m scared to leave my house because there are people hiding in my trees,” senior Alex Haran said.

Players are sparing no expense when it comes to the game: tracking targets down, forming alliances, and even betraying close friendship to score an elimination. 

“I was cornered in a parking lot and had to make a break for it. I kinda hit the curb a bit… I’m not out though,” senior Brooklyn Blair said.

As of May 6, there are 60 remaining active players racing to the finish line to win the grand prize of $336.