By Laura Kroeger
NKyTribune staff writer
A kind-hearted nine-year-old from Florence is in the running to be a superhero. Phoenix Walters, a student at Longbranch Elementary, is in the quarter finals of Stan Lee’s Super Kid contest.
Those unfamiliar with Stan Lee, are probably acquainted with the Marvel comic universe he developed. He is the creator or co-creator behind iconic characters such as Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, X-Men, Iron Man, Thor and Hulk. All have jumped from the comic page to blockbuster movies and helped redefine pop culture.
The legacy of the late legendary story teller is the Stan Lee Foundation. It champions literacy and the narrative arts, supporting public charities that advance storytelling and uplifting creators in need, helping communities everywhere access the power of stories.
Stan Lee said, “The real superheroes are the people who help others.”
That’s how Phoenix Walters and his parents Thomas and Daphne fit in.
Phoenix’s bio on the Stan Lee Foundation page says he is a competitive swimmer, is in advanced math class, plays basketball — and always helps others.
“When I entered Phoenix into the contest, I thought we had no chance of winning,” recalls Thomas. “Each elimination round closed and we’d barely make it past, but in the last group round we placed second. After making it past four other elimination rounds, we thought the journey was over. However, we were entered in a wild card round and placed first, winning a spot as a quarter finalist! Each round will only get harder, so I am trying to spread the word about the contest, the money raised that goes to charity, and hopefully garner some votes for Phoenix.”
The child with the most votes stars in a Stan Lee Universe comic book, receives four VIP passes to the 2027 Comic Con to be held in Los Angeles, and takes home an award of $25,000.
As Phoenix edges closer to victory, he is asking the public to assist him in the important round to the finals that ends November 5 at 7 p.m.
People can vote daily for Phoenix and also have the option of donating to the Stan Lee Foundation to promote literacy and the narrative arts.
Donating also snags Phoenix a vote. A profile on Phoenix can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1NHNwg7ciz/
Daphne, who works in a real estate office, knows that her son embodies Stan Lee’s philosophy.
“He’s a competitive swimmer at the YMCA, in advanced math class, an avid basketball player, reads a ton of books but most of all, he is the sweetest kid I ever met. He watches out for others and can be very protective. He’s just an awesome kid,” Daphne shares with pride.
Thomas, who is in IT for the Veterans Administration, has been a comic book fan since childhood. What impresses him the most about this journey to victory is what Phoenix asked him.
“Dad, I know I have to save the money for college. But can I give some of it to my friends?”
That’s the selfless kid Phoenix is.
To vote for Phoenix and send him into the Marvel Universe of victory, vote daily until November 5 at https://thesuperkid.org/2026/phoenix-8193