Ella Kate Vinson, Knoxville, is the winner of the 2026 Spring Hero Kid Award, sponsored by KnoxTNToday, First Horizon Bank, Food City, Harrington Insurance, Rotary Club of Bearden, Wallace Real Estate, and Zoo Knoxville.

Ella Kate earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouts, for a project that made a lasting, measurable impact on her school community.

After identifying clothing insecurity as a major need at Pond Gap Elementary and its local community, she created and led the Pond Gap Community Pop-Up Shop, a free, school-based clothing and essentials event that supported families experiencing financial hardship. Organizing donations, partnering with school administrators, social workers, and community organizations, she transformed the school gym into a welcoming “store” where families could select items with dignity.

Through her leadership, the project served over 160 individuals and families, distributing hundreds of items, including clothing, shoes, backpacks, and basic necessities. She also secured food donations from local businesses and created a kid-friendly environment with activities and snacks, so the event felt supportive and joyful rather than transactional.

Beyond the event itself, Ella Kate created a detailed how-to guide so the school can continue hosting the Pop-Up Shop annually, making the project fully sustainable and student-led for years to come.

Ella Kate earned an IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma at West High School.

She participated in multiple organizations during all four years:
  • YIG (youth in government) – sparking her interest in law
  • National League of Junior Cotillion ambassador and assistant to the director during all 4 years of high school
  • 4-year varsity athlete in lacrosse and rock climbing.
  • Key Club (4 years)
  • Performing Arts- all 4 years– Musical Theater and Choir
Ella Kate has demonstrated leadership throughout her youth:
  • The founder and captain of the inaugural F.I.R.S.T. Robotics team at West High School
  • IB Student Board of Directors
  • Environmental Club
She is also actively involved in multiple community service organizations:
  • Young Life
  • Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians
  • Knoxville Teen Board
Ella Kate has been recognized for her leadership and community service:
  • Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award
  • Pinnacle Award (for completing Bronze, Silver, and Gold Girl Scout projects)
  • National Honor Society
  • National French Honor Society
  • AP Scholar with Honors

She has received scholarships from the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians and the Junior League of Knoxville. She’s also a finalist for a Girl Scouts USA scholarship, with recipients to be named at a later date.

Again, we at KnoxTNToday and our partners are honored to recognize Ella Kate with the Hero Kid Award, and a ceremony will follow in the next few weeks.

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