By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
Kade Burgardt of Hays is in first place in his group in the quarterfinals of Colossal’s 2026 Stan Lee’s Super Kid Competition. He advanced after winning his group in the previous round. Nevertheless, votes have reset, and he needs continued support to move on.
Quarterfinal voting runs through Nov. 5. The top competitor in each group will advance to the semifinals. Voting currently counts double for a limited time.
Kade is a Hays High School junior varsity runner and was diagnosed with autism in 2012. He is among the youth competing for the title of Stan Lee’s Super Kid. The competition celebrates young people who show courage, kindness, creativity and perseverance while raising funds and awareness for the Stan Lee Foundation.
Kade’s mother, Christine Burgardt, entered him because she has long seen him as a superhero in his own way. He is known for his upbeat attitude, LEGO creations and habit of checking in with people around him.
Kade has said his favorite superhero is the Flash because he is “super fast” and helps people. He also hopes to help children learn to read, a goal that connects with the competition’s support for literacy and the Stan Lee Foundation.
The competition continues with semifinals from Nov. 6 through Nov. 12. Votes will reset again, and the top competitor in each semifinal group will advance to the finals, scheduled for Nov. 13 through Nov. 19. Public voting will determine the grand prize winner, who will be announced on or before Dec. 17.
The grand prize winner receives $25,000, a custom superhero identity, a starring role in a Stan Lee Universe comic book and VIP tickets to L.A. Comic Con.
To vote for Kade, visit his quarterfinals page. Votes from the previous round do not carry over, and votes count double for a limited time.