Farmington High Junior Earns Prestigious Civic Award

FARMINGTON, CT — Farmington High School junior Kriti Jaladurgam has been named the recipient of the YWCA 2026 Women in Leadership Award in the Outstanding Student category, recognizing her contributions to civic engagement, education advocacy and student leadership.

Jaladurgam has built a record of involvement in local and statewide initiatives focused on expanding student voice and promoting equity and civil rights, according to Farmington Public Schools.

She serves on the Connecticut State Student Advisory Council on Education and participates in Farmington's Community Council on Equity and Inclusion. She also founded the Connecticut Youth Civil Rights Council, a student-led organization that connects young leaders from more than 10 Connecticut communities to promote civic awareness, advocacy and community engagement.

For the past three years, Jaladurgam has interned with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, where she has supported statewide outreach efforts and educational programs.

At Farmington High School, she is active in several student organizations. She serves as president of the Women's Empowerment Club and has been involved with the Social Justice Club. She also helped organize the school's Social Justice Week, an event that reached more than 3,000 attendees.

In addition, Jaladurgam is president of the school's Future Business Leaders of America chapter. She previously served as a state officer within the organization and has earned national recognition through competition.

Her extracurricular activities also include serving as an officer in the Debate Club and mentoring younger students through the Connecticut Middle School Debate League, where she has worked as a judge and mentor for several years.

School officials noted that Jaladurgam has balanced her leadership roles and community service with a rigorous academic schedule that includes Advanced Placement and honors-level coursework.

The YWCA Women in Leadership Awards recognize women and students who have demonstrated leadership, service and a commitment to improving their communities.