As graduation season approaches, a long-standing senior tradition is once again drawing attention – not for its fun, but for its potential dangers.

Known as “Senior Assassin,” the game has been popular among high school seniors across the United States and Canada for years. The premise is simple: participating students are assigned targets and must “eliminate” them using water guns or similar devices, often for a chance to win a pooled cash prize. While typically played outside of school hours and off campus, concerns are growing as the activity begins to blur those boundaries.

Local school officials, including Okmulgee Public Schools, are now urging caution after noticing the game gaining traction among students.

Though many students see Senior Assassin as a harmless rite of passage, the nature of the game can quickly create unintended consequences. Participants often track targets, hide in unexpected places, or approach others in public settings – all while carrying items that resemble weapons.

In today’s heightened security environment, those actions can easily be misinterpreted.

Across the country, similar situations have resulted in alarming outcomes, including 911 calls, police responses and even school lockdowns when bystanders or neighbors believed a real threat was unfolding.

— District issues clear warning In a statement released Friday afternoon, Okmulgee Public Schools made its position unmistakably clear: “We want to be very clear: this activity is not permitted during school hours, on school property, or at any school-sponsored event.”

District officials emphasized that while the game may origi- nate outside school grounds, its effects are being felt during the school day. Administrators say they are closely monitoring student behavior and will take action if the activity disrupts school operations or compromises safety.

More importantly, the district strongly discouraged participation altogether due to the risks involved.

“We strongly discourage participation in this activity in general because of the very real safety concerns it creates,” the district stated One of the most pressing concerns is the use of water guns, gel blasters, or toy weapons that can closely resemble real firearms – especially from a distance.

School officials warned that even well-intentioned actions can spark fear and confusion.

“Behaviors such as chasing others, hiding on or near campus, approaching vehicles or homes or carrying look-alike items can create fear and confusion for students, staff, families, neighbors, and law enforcement.”

In a time when school safety remains a top priority nationwide, those scenarios are taken seriously by both educators and law enforcement.

District leaders are asking parents and guardians to play a key role in addressing the issue by talking with their students about the potential consequences.

“The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority,” the statement read. “We ask parents and guardians to speak with their students about the seriousness of this issue.”

While traditions and end-of-year celebrations are part of the senior experience, school officials stress that safety must come first.