Throughout the year, SIS students participate in various school-wide events designed to build community, encourage school spirit, and offer a break from academic routines. From weeklong competitions to large-scale spirit celebrations, these events shape much of student life outside the classroom. Out of these many options, which school-wide event did students actually enjoy the most?
To investigate this, Tiger Times Online surveyed SIS students through an Instagram poll, asking them to choose their favorite school-wide event of the year from eight options: Hori games, Brawl Stars, HSSC Assassin, Fall Festival, Halloween candygrams, Flag Football, and Spirit Weeks. A total of 38 students voted across the eight different events.
The results show a standout: HSSC Assassin ranked first overall, earning 15 votes, or approximately 39 percent of total responses. The popularity of Assassin may stem from its extended, school-wide format. Held throughout Sept. 11-15, 2025, the event assigned each participant a target to eliminate by taking a selfie during free periods. Once photographed, players were eliminated from the roster, narrowing the competition until only one student remained.
“While the Hori Games were based on the popularity of the Netflix series “Squid Game”, Assassin is different,” Ceyon Ann, participant of Assassin and Hori games, said. “Assassin is a theme that can be used annually. This makes it more special and timeless for the community to remember it as a signature tradition. Also, the game’s mechanics, specifically the active movement and the thrill of the chase, provide a necessary outlet for students. Allowing them to engage in a physical game helps relieve the academic stress inherent in their ordinarily competitive environment.”
Following closely behind was the Hori Games, which placed second with 7 votes. Hosted after school on March 21 in Tiger Gym 1 and the soccer field, the Hori Games were inspired by the Korean TV series “Squid Game” and featured reimagined versions of traditional Korean games. Activities such as “Red Light, Green Light” and the “Dalgona Challenge,” as well as original games developed by HSSC, encouraged teamwork and competition among students. With appealing prizes ranging from gift cards to an iPad, the Hori Games attracted significant interest, with approximately 70 students signing up.
A middle tier of events followed. Both Fall Festival and Pep Rally received 4 votes each, accounting for roughly 11 percent of responses apiece. These events reinforced school spirit through shared celebrations.
Meanwhile, Spirit Week and the Brawl Ball Tournament each earned 3 votes. Spirit Week, in particular, encourages daily participation through themed dress-up days, such as Pajama Day, Crazy Hair Day, Jersey Day, Disney Day, and Orange & Black Day. The Brawl Ball Tournament centered around the mobile game Brawl Stars, allowing participants to compete in teams across multiple matches. While the tournament offered a competitive experience, its limited participation may explain its lower ranking compared to events that involve a larger portion of the student body.
At the lower end of the poll, Flag Football and Halloween Candygrams each received 1 vote. The relatively lower ranking of these events may be tied to their shorter duration or narrower scope of participation. Unlike Assassin or Hori Games, which unfolded over multiple days or invited large-scale participation, events such as Flag Football and Halloween Candygrams were time-limited or appealed to specific groups with niche interests. As a result, while they still contributed to school culture, they may have not generated the same level of excitement or cross-grade interaction.
“I think students are especially drawn to competitive events where they can interact directly with one another,” Yoonjin Kang (11), HSSC council member, said. “The presence of prizes also adds motivation. Taking this [survey] into account, HSSC plans to continue hosting Assassins next year, since it’s clear the student body enjoys it. For future events like the Hori Games, we want to keep the interactive elements, but still explore new formats that can also be fun.”
Even so, each event continues to play a role in shaping student life at SIS by offering different ways for students to connect and participate.
Overall, the survey reveals a consistent pattern: SIS students gravitate toward events that are immersive, interactive, and inclusive across grade levels. Students appear most engaged when events blur the line between routine school life and shared experience. As the student council plans future activities, these results offer insight into what makes school-wide events truly memorable for students and the community.
