WOODBURY — As the end of the school year creeps around the corner, the conversation starts to stir among the student body about the infamous senior assassin game that continues for another year. It’s a game with nationwide popularity, but things continue to change.

Senior assassin is a game in which members of the senior class pair up and pay $10 to be able to participate, which contributes to the winning pot. Two juniors typically run the game as an annual tradition before they play the following year. Pairs are then assigned a pair of targets to eliminate in the first round; they cannot eliminate any other team. A player is eliminated if they’re sprayed by a water gun. Players are not told who their would-be assassin are, but there’s one way to protect yourself from your opponent — you may just get some weird looks in public.

Any player holding a watermelon has immunity from elimination. Seniors around the area have watermelons attached to the hip, so if there seems to be a watermelon shortage in local grocery stores, its because it’s the only safety net for players. There was such a shortage of watermelons this year that honeydew and cantaloupe, two melons deemed closed enough to satisfy the requirement, have also been flying off the shelves.

Melon variety is not the only rule being changed this year. The senior assassin game is not associated with Nonnewaug, so school grounds are completely off limits this year; last year, after sporting events was a popular way to eliminate targets. Many businesses in Woodbury have ruled their property as a safe zone: 1754 House, Mix Prime, and Ayla’s, among others. Gyms, churches, libraries, supermarkets, and on-the-clock jobs are also off limits, although sometimes parking lots are fair game.

The changes have created some stir, but overall has created a safer way for seniors to continue the game.

“I think with guidelines that ensure safety, [the game] could build camaraderie between the senior class,” said Nonnewaug principal Mykal Kuslis.

Max Wolff, a champion of the 2023 senior assassin, ended a two-month-long game by declaring a truce with fellow graduate Christian Farrell.

Safety is the biggest pillar supporting this game, so students, faculty, and the public can be in support if the senior class wants to make this a tradition that sticks.

“I think it brought together the entire school in a way,” Wolff said. “Freshman through seniors were involved and up to date with the game on some level. Faculty, friends and family all find themselves in a fun and harmless game to end senior year.”