Not all heroes wear capes. Some carry backpacks, ride school buses and still have homework to finish.

They may be the young person who stepped up when someone needed help, organized a project that changed lives or quietly made a difference without expecting recognition.

KnoxTNToday wants to hear their stories — and the deadline to nominate a Hero Kid is November 30, 2026.

KnoxTNToday and its Feature Partners launched the third Hero Kid Award campaign of 2026 in August, continuing their mission to recognize extraordinary young people who demonstrate courage, compassion, service and integrity.

The award’s symbol is a feather, representing truth and honor — qualities reflected in the character and actions of each Hero Kid.

Who qualifies as a Hero Kid?

Nominees must meet the following requirements:

  • Live in Knox County or one of its bordering counties.
  • Have performed an act of service that made a lasting impact on their community or a heroic lifesaving act before their 18th birthday.

A review committee will evaluate nominations based on the merit of the information submitted. Other recognitions and awards will also be considered.

Help us find the heroes among us

Perhaps it’s a teenager who organized a neighborhood service project, a student who made a lasting difference for others or a young person whose quick thinking saved a life.

Sometimes the most remarkable young people are the ones who never think of themselves as remarkable.

That’s where you come in.

Parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, neighbors and community leaders are encouraged to nominate deserving young people.

To submit a nomination, email the nominee’s information, details of the service or heroic act, and any additional comments or supporting recognition to susan@knoxtntoday.com.

Nomination deadline: Monday, November 30, 2026.

A community celebrating its young heroes

The Hero Kid Award is sponsored by KnoxTNToday and its community partners:

  • Food City
  • Rotary Club of Bearden
  • Wallace Real Estate
  • Harrington Insurance
  • First Horizon Bank
  • Zoo Knoxville

Together, these organizations are helping recognize young people whose actions remind us that character, kindness and courage have no minimum age.

The next Hero Kid may live on your street, attend your church or sit in your child’s classroom.

Don’t let their story go untold.

Nominate a Hero Kid by November 30. Because doing something extraordinary deserves to be noticed — no matter how young the hero.

OUR TOWN. YOUR NEWS. KNOXTNTODAY.

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