Walking across the stage at DECA International Career Development Conference during her freshman year, junior Raanya Rai was intrigued by her peers announcing winners and handing out prizes.

“I went to Ms. Laflech, and I asked her, how can I be one of the people that are on stage handing out the award,” Rai said. “Because I realized I wanted to be like them.”

After business teacher Krissy Laflech gave her a notebook to write down her aspirations, Rai worked toward the first goal she had written; to be Indiana DECA State President.

“I was a very shy person at that point in my life and I was very naive,” Rai said. “So just being able to turn my dreams into a reality is why I think I’m taking it so seriously, it’s because I want to prove to myself that I can make those dreams come true.”

This year, Rai is one of five candidates running for the presidential position. Going head to head against competitors from large schools such as Westfield,

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Josephine Zangrilli

LOOK TO THE SKY Pointing to the camera, junior Raanya Rai smiles for a photo. Rai joned DECA her freshman year and is now looking to become Indiana State DECA president.

Penn and Hamilton Southeastern, Rai is hoping her campaign will stand out.

“I am mainly trying to surround the campaign to like smaller chapters, or chapters with less of a budget, similar to ours,” Rai said.  “I wanted to show that I’m going to bring quantitative excellence. I’m not going to promise things that I don’t have a plan for.”

Rai’s slogan is  “Soar   High, Vote  Rai” and  markets   herself  through her R.A.I. program. Reach, Action, and Inspire.

After numerous video calls and an intensive interview process, Rai could not believe she was chosen.

“I was gonna start off small, and run for Region 1 president,” Rai said. “but then, my parents reminded me of what I’m trying to prove.”

Recently, Rai has posted Instagram reels with the hopes of promoting herself.

“DECA has been a genuine interest for me since my freshman year and Ms. Laflech  can attest to that,” Rai said. “I am trying to show that through my posts.”