by Mae Grisenthwaite

With water guns in hand and pride on the line, students from all over take part in the high-stakes annual Squirt Wars.  

This yearly, student-funded game takes place each spring. Juniors and seniors can buy into the Squirt Wars competition with a partner, where each pair is assigned a target. Players have one week to eliminate their target using a water gun. If they fail to get their target out, they get eliminated from the game. 

“It’s fun and keeps everyone on their toes wondering who their target will be and who has them next,” junior Kylie Haines-Boles said.   

Squirt Wars, also known as Senior Assassin, has gained traction all across the United States in the last 10 years, with each high-school adding their own twist onto the game. 

“I know of tons of schools not just around us who do something like Squirt Wars,” junior Adrianna Adams said. “And I honestly like how the other schools do it differently.” 

This event is enjoyed by all kinds of students, giving each the chance to be part of something.  

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Senior Isaiah Stillwagon and junior Adrianna Adams pose after eliminating junior Cody Wilson.

Photo By: Connor Wilson

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“I think that it’s great that students are coming together to do Squirt Wars,” English Teacher Mrs. Mary Logan said. “I know there is a lot of work put into it and a lot is involved in doing the whole thing.” 

Each student involved has a chance to win the money that each participant paid to play, which for GS, is around $900. 

“It shouldn’t be about the money,” Adams said. “It should be about the experience and fun of the game.” 

Although this game brings opportunities of fun to the student body, it also pulls some students away from their academics.  

“I’ve had to stop class because of the heated conversations happening around Squirt Wars,” Mrs. Logan said. 

This does not only cause conflict inside the classroom, but outside the school gates too. 

“I feel like the game becomes a way for students to get revenge on others they don’t particularly like, to create new problems or just go to some extremes in order to win,” Logan said. 

These issues are not only seen by teachers, but also the organizers, Reese Price and Alex Swatchick. 

“Reese and I have tried to make the game fair and fun but there are always people who take it too far,” Swatchick said. 

In addition to running the game, organizers take on the responsibility of recognizing and addressing issues to help improve future competitions. 

“I would say in future years we could improve by being more strict with people who try to bend the rules,” Swatchick said.  

Although there is controversy surrounding Squirt Wars, the organizers still try their best to keep the game going. 

“At the end of the day we want the game to be fun for everyone involved,” Swatchick said. 

Despite the concern, Squirt Wars stays an important part of the high school experience, gaining more recognition every year. 

“Squirt Wars is a great way to make new friends, be more outgoing and have some fun at the end of a long year,” Haines-Boles said.