Photo courtesy of Patrick Kolcan.

After spending a year or two at LFHS, many students hear stories about a game called “Paranoia,” an elimination-style game which pits seniors against one another. 

Many players involved feel that paranoia is a way for the senior class to form a sense of camaraderie.  However, recently the game has received negative press, with numerous articles pointing out the fear the game instills among the community.

Despite this representation of the game in the media, many students still elect to participate in the game. With 30 teams playing -each consisting of 6-10 players – over half the class of 2024 is participating. 

“I think it’s fun and builds a stronger community within the student population,” said senior Daniel Lim. “It’s a bonding experience and it’s one last way to have fun before everyone goes off to college.”

Seniors love this game, so why does it seem that so many adults are against it?

A large part of this issue is how the assassin-style game has been played in other towns. 

According to an NBC Chicago article warning students of the danger of senior assassin games, a student was at risk of being harmed by a concealed-carry permit holder. In Gurnee, two students ran into a diner with ski masks and water guns that resembled firearms. This caused the concealed-carry permit holder to recognize the students as a threat.

Director of Security Mr. Lane Linder said “[Paranoia] can be misinterpreted, when [law enforcement] arrive on the scene. If they see somebody with an especially realistic weapon, or some type of face covering or tactical gear, it could possibly result in a confrontation with law enforcement.”

Fortunately, the students were unharmed, but how can Paranoia at LFHS prevent public fear?

It is understandable that Lake Forest residents that read these stories would hold Paranoia in a negative light. But for many students, what makes LFHS’ Paranoia game much safer is the unique set of rules.

To prevent damage to property and public fear, the organizers of 2024’s Paranoia game have taken care to ban eliminations while driving. They have also banned eliminations within businesses and private property without expressed permission. 

“I feel like as long as you’re being careful and respectful of other people’s property and space, it’s not really an issue,” senior Brady Gamrath said.

In addition, only blasters which have orange tips are allowed to be used in order to prevent confusion with real firearms.

On April 11th, Principal Dr Erin Lenart sent home a letter to parents warning of the dangers of Paranoia. Lenart said “prowling around private residences, and pursuing others in vehicles, can place our students at risk of physical harm and/or lead to serious consequences.”

Additionally the Lake Forest Police Department released a statement strongly discouraging students from participating in the game, “due to the potential for harmful incidents.”

So why do kids risk all the trouble for this game?

Linder described Paranoia as a “rite of passage” to seniors; an activity that signifies the next stage in life, akin to prom or graduation.

As seniors, many of us will never see each other again after going to college, so playing Paranoia is one of our last chances to have fun blasting each other in the name of winning. Through stalking each other and figuring out when to strike, we actually learn a lot about our peers we would’ve never known.

Linder believes that there are better ways to honor the senior tradition while maintaining public security. He proposed the idea of a school-sanctioned event that would satisfy the “rite of passage” that Paranoia represents. 

“Instead of creating something which puts the students and the community on high alert and at risk, we can create something that can be done here on campus under controlled conditions,” said Linder, “it could have the same effect of friendly competition between students without all the negative aspects.”