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An 8-year-old Massapequa girl is one step closer to becoming a real-life comic book superhero.
Taylor Thorne, a third-grader at Schwarting Elementary School, has advanced to the top 10 in a nationwide competition to become the next Stan Lee’s Super Kid, with a chance to star in her own comic book and win $25,000.
Taylor has been climbing through the competition’s voting rounds, most recently finishing third in the top 15 round to secure her place among the final 10 contestants.
And she’s already imagining what it would be like to see herself in the pages of a comic book.
“I’m excited to see myself in a comic book,” Taylor told Greater Long Island. “How cool would that be?”
The grand prize includes an appearance in a limited-edition comic book set in the Stan Lee Universe, a trip to Comic-Con in California and $25,000.
Taylor’s mother, Tracey Thorne, said the excitement surrounding the competition has been contagious.
“She thinks it’s the coolest thing in the world, and so do I. It really is the coolest thing in the world,” Thorne said with a laugh.
But for the Massapequa family, the competition has taken on an even deeper meaning.
Taylor lost both of her grandmothers within six months, and her mother said the experience has given her daughter something positive to focus on during a difficult year.
“It’s been a little rough for her this year,” Thorne said. “It’s hard for an 8-year-old, but this has made her stop thinking about that.”
Taylor said her friends have been cheering her on, too.
“I’m very happy that I entered,” she said. “My friends are so happy for me. They are voting for me because they want me to win too.”
Her mother said Taylor has always had a vivid imagination, finding creative possibilities in things others might throw away. She regularly transforms cardboard, tape and other discarded materials into artwork and has even designed clothing out of balloons.
But Tracey said her daughter’s greatest qualities go beyond her creativity.
“She loves to be around people, she loves to help people,” she said.
And while a comic book appearance and $25,000 would certainly be a dream come true, Tracey said watching her daughter’s excitement throughout the competition has already been rewarding.
“I obviously want her to win, but you know what, even if she doesn’t, it’s really neat watching her go through this whole process,” she said.
How to vote
Voting in the top 10 round continues through Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10 p.m. Taylor must finish among the top five to advance to the next round.
Supporters can vote for Taylor on her official contest page.
