Moorpark High student earns Congressional Award Gold Medal

 

(Moorpark, California) July 13, 2026—Moorpark High School student Yash Oruganti has earned one of the nation’s highest honors for youth civilians after being recognized as part of the 2026 Congressional Award Gold Medal Class.

Yash, who will be a junior in the fall, traveled to Washington, D.C., in June to attend the 2026 Gold Medal Summit, where he joined hundreds of young people from across the country for congressional meetings, leadership programming and a celebration at the U.S. Capitol.

The Congressional Award recognized 877 young Americans this year for their commitment to voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition or exploration.

Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays said Yash’s achievement reflects the kind of character and leadership Moorpark Unified hopes to cultivate in all students.

“Yash’s accomplishment is remarkable not only because of the national recognition he received, but because of the service, discipline and compassion that led him there,” Hays said. “He saw needs in his community and beyond, and he chose to respond with action. We are incredibly proud of the way he represents Moorpark High School and Moorpark Unified.”

During the June 8 to 10 summit, medalists received their awards at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, met fellow honorees, participated in leadership and career-focused programming and engaged with elected officials on Capitol Hill.

Yash also met with U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley while in Washington.

“In Moorpark, I saw families struggle and chose to act. Throughout this progression, I led drives delivering 1,875 pounds of food, 235 pounds of clothes, & 263 toys to local clinics. I helped establish three libraries in Africa. Beyond service, I earned a Junior Black Belt in MMA, & the rank of Petty Officer Third Class in the Sea Cadets. True leadership starts with the initiative to serve. The Congressional Award gave me the framework to turn empathy into action and prove that a person can lead.”

The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans. Established by Congress in 1979, the program recognizes initiative, service and achievement in young people. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Certificates and Medals by setting and achieving goals in four areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition or exploration.

Yash said the work behind the award was not about the medal itself.

“I am not chasing recognition, I never was. I am building a life worthy of it.”

The 2026 Gold Medalists were also recognized in the Congressional Record. Over the span of the summit, 193 members of the House and Senate met with their constituents, allowing medalists to share their Congressional Award journeys and discuss the service, goal-setting, perseverance and personal growth required to earn Congress’ highest honor for youth civilians.

“This year’s Gold Medalists represent the very best of what young people can accomplish when they set meaningful goals and commit themselves to service, growth, and exploration,” said Erica Heyse, national director of The Congressional Award. “For many of these students and families, traveling to Washington, D.C. and meeting with their elected officials is the culmination of years of hard work. The Summit gives us the opportunity not only to celebrate what they have achieved, but also to remind them that this medal is a foundation for a lifetime of leadership, civic engagement, and impact.”

The summit included remarks and participation from members of Congress through official programming, recognition moments and Capitol Hill engagement. Gold Medalists also participated in panel discussions, networking sessions, a STEM Stars Reception, congressional meetings, a group photo on Capitol Hill and attendance at the 2026 Congressional Baseball Game.

For Yashwanth, the experience was a national recognition of work that began with a simple idea: young people do not have to wait to make a difference.