A’Raiya Smith '25 Recruiting Profile

"My name is A’Raiya Smith, but I like to be called Rai. My name means 'A light of life,' and I always give off a ray of sunshine. I believe that this is my sole purpose in life. I love to bring people happiness and put a smile on their face. Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to help others. I’m a family-oriented person, so I love giving love. That’s why I’ve volunteered at soup kitchens to give back to the less fortunate.

I’ve been playing basketball for over 10 plus years, so this sport is like second nature to me. Basketball is my safe place, where I can be my true self. I also love listening to music and watching movies and shows. People often say I have an 'old soul' because I was raised to adore old-school music from the '70s to the '90s. From the Temptations, Jackson 5, Boys II Men, to Destiny’s Child. I love music that has meaning to it.

I've played in a rec league, travel team for the West Haven girls basketball team called the Westies, and an AAU team called The Savin Rock Ballers out of West Haven. Since I started at Platt Technical High School, I've been on the girls' varsity team and I'm a part of the starting five. I'm the president of the class of 2025 at my school. I’ve been a high/honor roll student since middle school.

 I was recently nominated to join a committee called the Student Equity Ambassador Committee. Our purpose is to give our students a voice even when they’re scared or forced to be quiet. We speak on correcting the wrongs in our school, whether that may be from students, teachers, or even the administration. We give our students another outlet to speak their peace and make them feel comfortable and safe in the place they come to learn every day."