At 5 years old, Catalina Vera is already learning how to be a leader. The Oak Lawn kindergartner stands up for children who are bullied, comforts nervous competitors and looks out for kids who need a friend.
Those moments mean more to her mother, Lisette Vera, than any trophy or award.
“As proud as I am of her intelligence and accomplishments, what makes Catalina truly special to me is her heart,” Lisette said.
Catalina, a kindergarten student at Columbus Manor Elementary School, is now competing in the 2026 Stan Lee’s Super Kid competition. The contest celebrates children and gives one winner the opportunity to become part of the late comic book creator’s superhero legacy.
Catalina has advanced to the Top 10 in her group and is competing for a spot in the Top 5.
Her accomplishments in school and taekwondo have given her plenty to celebrate. She scored remarkably high on her reading and math MAP assessments and was named Student of the Month in August.
Her teachers describe her as a sweetheart and an absolute delight. They have praised her kindness, respect and behavior, sometimes using her as an example for other students.
Her mother said those comments mean a great deal because Catalina treats people with the same kindness at school that she shows her family.
One moment, in particular, stands out.
When Catalina saw a little boy being bullied, she went over to him and offered a few reassuring words.
“It’s okay. Don’t listen to him. Come play with us. We will be your friend,” she told him.
At a taekwondo tournament, Catalina noticed a young competitor from another school who appeared nervous. She went over to comfort and encourage the girl. While roller skating, she also stopped to help a little girl who had fallen.
“Catalina doesn’t need to know someone to care about them,” Lisette said. “She simply sees someone who needs a friend and chooses to be one.”
That caring nature is a big part of who Catalina is, even as she pursues activities that challenge her to be strong and determined.
She began taekwondo in the spring of 2025 and has worked her way up to a purple belt. Along the way, she has developed discipline, focus and confidence.
Catalina has competed in two tournaments, earning first-place finishes in forms, board breaking and sparring in her age division. Her mother is proud of those victories, but she is just as proud of how her daughter treats the other competitors.
Catalina also enjoys ballet, tap dancing and gymnastics. She loves superheroes, and her favorite is Spider-Gwen, a character she admires for her bravery, determination and willingness to help others.
The similarities aren’t hard to see. Catalina is energetic, curious and imaginative. She likes asking questions, learning new things and figuring out problems on her own. She can be determined when something challenges her, but she also knows when someone else needs encouragement.
Now, she has a chance to take her love of superheroes to a bigger audience.
The 2026 Stan Lee’s Super Kid competition offers a grand-prize package valued at approximately $31,000. The prize includes a $25,000 award, the opportunity to appear as an illustrated character in a special-edition Stan Lee comic book and four VIP tickets to the 2027 L.A. Comic Con.
The overall winner is scheduled to be announced on or before Dec. 17.
Community members can support Catalina by visiting her voting page at https://thesuperkid.org/2026/catalina-c187. Supporters can cast one free verified vote every 24 hours. Eligible adults may also choose to make donations for additional votes, but no purchase is necessary to participate.
Catalina is the youngest child of Lisette and her husband, Edgar. She has an older brother and an extended family that enjoys cheering her on as she tries new things and reaches new milestones.
Her family is grateful for the encouragement they have received from friends, teachers and community members throughout the competition.
Still, Lisette said the most important thing is not whether Catalina wins.
“More than any award, belt, academic achievement, or competition, what matters most to me is the person she’s becoming,” she said.
She hopes her daughter will continue to stand up for others, pursue her dreams and notice people who could use a little kindness.
At 5, Catalina has already shown that being strong doesn’t mean thinking only about yourself. Sometimes, it means noticing another child who is having a hard day and making room for them to join the fun.