Washy Water Wars

By ANDREW COLAIANNI

Every spring, as the countdown to graduation begins, Washingtonville High School seniors prepare for more than just finals and banquets—they gear up for Washy Water Wars, the school’s own version of the nationwide phenomenon known as Senior Assassins.

This beloved senior tradition has taken on a life of its own at Washingtonville. While the core concept remains the same—eliminate your assigned target using a water gun—the game has evolved into a rite of passage. With rules, strategies, alliances, and of course, plenty of fun, it’s a chance for students to celebrate their final months of high school with some laughter, adrenaline, and unforgettable memories.

The rules are simple: each participant is randomly assigned a human target. To eliminate them, students have to hit them with water (usually via squirt gun), but not just anywhere; certain “safe zones” like school grounds and workplaces are off-limits. Once you eliminate your target, you take on their target, and the game continues until only one watery warrior remains.

What makes Washy Water Wars special is that it’s more than a game, it's a shared experience that links graduating classes over time. Each year’s seniors from all over the country put their own spin on it, creating team names, themed outfits, and even brackets. Some classes have added their own twists to the rules or started Instagram accounts to track eliminations. It’s become a full-on spectacle that everyone looks forward to, whether they’re playing or just watching from the sidelines.

Students strategize endlessly, some even donning disguises, using decoys, or teaming up in secret alliances. It’s as much about brains as it is about speed.

For many, Washy Water Wars becomes one of the most memorable parts of senior year. Joel Trocino, a WHS graduate from the Class of 2024, recalls just how intense—and fun—the game got during his final months of high school.

“I remember always being on edge but in the best way,” Joel laughed. “You never knew when someone was waiting outside your house or hiding in the parking lot. It was pure chaos, but such a blast.”

Despite just missing the win, Joel confessed he wouldn’t change a thing. “It brought me closer to a lot of the kids in my class. It was a great sendoff.”

This year, the Class of 2025 is getting ready for their turn, and for current senior James Mynio, the excitement is very real, but so are the nerves. “I’ve been looking forward to this since I learned about it sophomore year,” James exclaimed. “It’s something everyone talks about: getting your water gun ready, stalking your target on Instagram to figure out their routines.”

When asked how he feels about having to eliminate friends—or even people he barely knows, James admitted it’s not all easy. “I’m excited, yeah, but it’s also awkward. Like, what if I have to get someone I sit next to in class every day? Or someone who has no idea who I am?” Still, he’s ready to dive in. “It’s all part of the tradition, and that’s what makes it so special.”

At its core, Washy Water Wars is about more than water guns and stealth. It’s a shared experience that bonds the senior class, creates stories that last long after graduation, and reminds everyone not to take these final weeks too seriously. Whether soaking wet or just trying to stay dry, one thing is certain: Washy Water Wars is a tradition that will keep drenching seniors in laughter and memories for years to come.