Hero Kid Award campaign begins

KnoxTNToday and partners launch annual recognition program for youth in Knoxville area

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:39pm

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KnoxTNToday and several Feature Partners are launching the first Hero Kid Award campaign of 2026, recognizing young people in the Knoxville area who have performed acts of service or heroism that have made a lasting impact on their communities. Applicants must be under 18 and live in Knox County or surrounding counties.

Why it matters

The Hero Kid Award aims to highlight and celebrate the positive contributions of young people in the Knoxville community, inspiring others and showcasing the power of youth to drive meaningful change.

The details

To be eligible, applicants must have performed an act of service or heroism prior to their 18th birthday that had a lasting impact on their community. A review committee will evaluate nominations based on the merit of the submission, considering any other recognitions or awards the applicant has received.

  • The first Hero Kid Award campaign of 2026 begins on February 4, 2026.

The players

KnoxTNToday

A local news and community website covering the Knoxville, Tennessee area.

Food City

A regional supermarket chain that is sponsoring the Hero Kid Award.

Rotary Club of Bearden

A local Rotary club that is sponsoring the Hero Kid Award.

Wallace Real Estate

A local real estate company that is sponsoring the Hero Kid Award.

Zoo Knoxville

The Knoxville zoo that is sponsoring the Hero Kid Award.

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What’s next

Applicants can submit the required information, along with any comments, to susan@knoxtntoday.com.

The takeaway

The Hero Kid Award provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the positive impact young people are making in the Knoxville community, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and make a difference.