A Homecoming Message from OSSD
A HOMECOMING MESSAGE FROM OSSD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, September 16, 2026
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss (OSSD) -- Ocean Springs School District has been made aware of multiple concerning incidents that occurred over the weekend involving activities believed to be associated with what students refer to as “Junior-Senior War.” These incidents reportedly involved Orbeez guns, BB guns, and pepper spray.
Of particular concern, we have received a report that an individual suffered a serious eye injury involving an Orbeez gun and has permanently lost peripheral vision as a result. The circumstances surrounding that incident continue to be investigated. In a separate incident involving BB guns and pepper spray, an individual was arrested.
While Junior-Senior War is not a school-sponsored or school-sanctioned activity, we recognize that these activities involve our students and can have very real consequences for their safety and the safety of others. Actions that damage property, involve weapons or dangerous substances, or create a risk of bodily harm have no place in the celebration of Homecoming Week.
Ocean Springs Police Chief Steve Dye shared the following message with families:
“The Ocean Springs Police Department takes these incidents seriously. While the Junior-Senior High School Wars are a longstanding tradition, activities involving weapons, replica weapons, BB guns, Orbeez guns, or other projectiles can result in serious injuries and criminal charges.
I encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about the dangers and potential consequences associated with these activities. The Ocean Springs Police Department will continue to investigate incidents occurring in connection with Junior-Senior High School Wars and will take appropriate enforcement action when violations of the law occur.”
OSSD joins Chief Dye and the Ocean Springs Police Department in asking parents and guardians to speak with their students and take steps to limit their participation in activities that could result in injury, property damage, or criminal consequences.
Junior-Senior War is not a school-affiliated event and those who participate should abide by any local or state laws. Students should be warned that property owners have the right to file charges against those who damage/vandalize their property or cause bodily harm.
These activities are strictly prohibited on school and district property. Any student found to be vandalizing school property or other student or staff member’s property while on campus will be subject to disciplinary action.
Homecoming should be a positive and memorable week for our students and our community. We want our students to have fun, show their Greyhound pride, and enjoy the traditions surrounding Homecoming without making decisions that could have serious and lasting consequences.
Thank you for your partnership in helping keep our students and community safe.
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ABOUT OSSD: Ocean Springs School District is home to more than 7,000 dedicated students and educators. It is the mission of the Ocean Springs School District to teach our students essential content and strategies that will enable them to apply knowledge beyond their school experience and to have a positive impact on society.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Trey Brennan
Director of Communications
Ocean Springs School District
tbrennan@ossdms.org - (228) 234-1457
Trey Brennan
Director of Communications
Ocean Springs School District
tbrennan@ossdms.org - (228) 234-1457