Young people across East Tennessee are finding opportunities to shine, whether through athletic competition, scouting or scientific discovery.

This week, we’re celebrating a Bearden Middle School champion, a special Girl Scout experience inspired by Dolly Parton and a classroom challenge that could take fifth graders to Dollywood.

Bearden Middle School student wins Pan American championship

Rilyn Propst has earned a championship that few young athletes can claim.

The Bearden Middle School student captured the Teen 1 Female Feather title at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s Pan Kids No-Gi Championship in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday, October 18.

Rilyn, a grey belt at Alliance Jiu Jitsu Knoxville, defeated Anaiah Bella Quintero by submission in the championship match.

Her victory makes her the third Kids Pan American champion to train at Alliance Jiu Jitsu Knoxville. Together, the academy’s three champions have earned six Pan American titles.

Rilyn trains under her father, Laban Propst, a four-time IBJJF Master World Champion who owns and leads the Knoxville academy.

“Kids don’t get handed anything at this level — Rilyn earned every second of that match,” he said.

While the gold medal is an impressive achievement, the dedication required to reach that level may be an even greater lesson. Success demands practice, discipline and the determination to keep improving.

Rilyn’s accomplishment gives East Tennessee another young athlete to celebrate.

Learn more at Alliance Jiu Jitsu Knoxville.

Girl Scout cookies bring a taste of home to soldiers at Fort Stewart

Sometimes a simple box of cookies can carry a message much bigger than the treat inside.

Soldiers stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, recently received Girl Scout cookies through a partnership between Friends of the Troops and Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians.

The cookies were made possible by a generous donation from the Girl Scout council, helping Friends of the Troops share a little appreciation with military personnel serving away from home.

Friends of the Troops celebrated the delivery on Facebook, expressing its commitment to supporting soldiers around the globe and reminding them how much their service is appreciated.

The partnership shows how community organizations can work together to make a difference, even hundreds of miles from East Tennessee.

For the Girl Scouts, it’s another example of how the spirit of service can extend well beyond their own communities.

Learn more about Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians and Friends of the Troops.

Fifth graders invited to explore science that glows

What makes fireflies light up? Why do some mushrooms glow? And what other fascinating discoveries are waiting in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Those questions are part of Glow Life, a science education program developed by Smokies Life, Discover Life in America and Dollywood.

The program invites eligible fifth-grade classrooms in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina to explore bioluminescence and biofluorescence.

Bioluminescence occurs when a living organism produces its own light through a chemical reaction. Biofluorescence happens when an organism absorbs certain wavelengths of light and emits light in another color.

Teachers can choose from two free lesson plans, use an educational video and submit a classroom contest entry.

Five winning classrooms will receive a spring 2027 trip to Dollywood, including an opportunity to experience NightFlight Expedition.

The deadline has been extended to Friday, December 4, giving teachers additional time to participate.

Beyond the chance to win a trip, Glow Life introduces students to the remarkable biodiversity of the Smokies and encourages them to look more closely at the natural world.

Teachers can find lesson materials, eligibility details and contest instructions at Glow Life.

Daily Connections — Wednesday, October 28

Today’s Motivation: Every accomplishment begins with a willingness to try. Keep learning, keep practicing and never underestimate what you can achieve.

Today in History: On October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. The monument was a gift from France and became an enduring symbol of freedom and opportunity.

Tennessee Trivia: Dolly Parton was born in Sevier County in 1946. Her song Coat of Many Colors tells a childhood story about love, family and finding value in something others might overlook.

Today’s Smile: Why did the student bring a ladder to school? Because she wanted to go to high school!

Local Connections

  • Morning Pointe Halloween Fall Fest: Tonight, Wednesday, October 28, from 6–8 p.m. at Morning Pointe of Knoxville, 9649 Westland Drive. Families are invited to enjoy this free community celebration.
  • McClung Museum Movie Night: Thursday, October 29, at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture on the University of Tennessee campus. The museum will screen The Woman in Black and connect the film to Victorian mourning traditions. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the screening begins at 6:30 p.m. Event information and registration.
  • Museum of Appalachia: Fall Heritage Days, October 29–30, offers students opportunities to experience traditional Appalachian music, crafts and history. Visit the Museum of Appalachia for details.
  • Knox County Public Library: Explore children’s programs, storytimes and educational opportunities through the library’s events calendar.
  • More local activities: Browse the Visit Knoxville events calendar.

Stock Market: Check the latest market news and performance at Yahoo Finance.

865 Puzzles: Ready for a mental workout? Enjoy the Large Crossword, Mini Crossword, Sudoku, Word Search and WordroW. Visit KnoxTNToday and select Puzzles from the menu.

Let’s keep talking

Do you know a young person achieving something special, helping others or making a difference in our community?

Let’s Talk: Youth celebrates the accomplishments, opportunities and stories of young people throughout East Tennessee.

Send your story ideas, announcements and photographs to news@knoxtntoday.com.

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