Do you know a young person who has stepped up to help others, made a lasting difference in the community or acted heroically when someone needed help? KnoxTNToday wants to hear that story.

The next Hero Kid 2026 nomination campaign opens Tuesday, Sept. 1, and continues through Monday, Nov. 30. The Hero Kid Award recognizes young people whose actions demonstrate service, courage, truth and integrity.

Feathers, long associated with truth and honor, serve as the symbol of the Hero Kid Award.

Nominees must be under age 18 and live in Knox County or a bordering county. They must have performed an act of service that made a lasting impact on their community or performed a heroic lifesaving act before turning 18. Nominations are evaluated by a review committee based on the merit of the information submitted, with other recognitions and awards also considered.

To nominate a Hero Kid, email the following information to susan@knoxtntoday.com:

  • Name and age of the nominee.
  • County where the nominee lives.
  • A description of the act of service, community impact or heroic lifesaving action performed before age 18.
  • Any additional comments or information that will help the review committee understand why the young person should be recognized.

Parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, neighbors, churches, civic groups and community organizations are encouraged to look around for young people who are quietly doing extraordinary things. A Hero Kid does not have to be someone whose story has already made headlines. Sometimes the most meaningful acts of service happen without much attention at all.

The Hero Kid Award is sponsored by KnoxTNToday, First Horizon Bank, Food City, Harrington Insurance Agency, Rotary Club of Bearden, Wallace Real Estate and Zoo Knoxville.

Nominations for the fall campaign will be accepted Sept. 1-Nov. 30. Send nominations and supporting information to susan@knoxtntoday.com.

Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our free newsletter. Comments may be sent to news@knoxtntoday.com.