Seniors all across the country are starting the process of senior elimination including right here at Williston, who began the game today, April 29.

The much-awaited senior elimination for the seniors at Williston has begun. This is an exciting tradition that many schools do as graduation approaches. It is a way to celebrate the seniors and leave senior year with a fun activity.

Senior elimination originated between the 1970s and the 1980s. The game saw a massive surge in popularity during the early 2010s, driven by shows like iCarly and Gossip Girl. Now senior elimination is popular all-over social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. The goal of the game is to be the last person standing. Most schools use water guns to eliminate their target. At Williston, we use rubber fling chickens.

Caroline Channell, Assistant Dean of Students for Community, aka the Dean of Fun, explains how the game works here at Williston.

“Each senior gets two fling chickens, and they need to hit someone on the back to get them out. There should be photo evidence of them getting them out and it’s best if people are just chill about it,” she said.

The game is organized by the junior Wildest Cats with the help of Channell.

Channell says senior elimination is a great way for senior to let off some steam before graduation.

“I think it’s really fun for the seniors,” she said. “They seem to love it and it’s a great way to be goofy.”

Catie Putt, a four-year senior from Norfolk, Mass., is very excited for the start of senior elimination and has strategies to stay in the game.

“I got to watch all the seniors before me do it and now it’s exciting that it is my turn now,” she said. “My goal is to stay low and be cautious of my surroundings and who I’m with.”

Catie predicts that Archie Glazer and Ayo Adeniyi have a good chance of winning this year.

Graham Williams, who currently goes to Providence College and attended Williston last year, is the reigning champ of senior elimination.

“My strategy was to be as vigilant and careful as possible and play it safe but know when to be aggressive and go for the elimination,” he said.

Graham went into the game wanting to win.

“I obviously wanted to go in with a winning mindset and try to be the last one standing,” he said.

Zola Piekarski, a four-year senior from Concord, Mass., is looking forward to senior elimination because it is always a fun tradition.

“I’m not planning on going try hard but definitely want to go into it with a strategy,” she said. “I feel like I can lay low so that is an advantage.”