BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Meet “Little Miss Arc Broward,” or maybe we should call her “Little Miss Panthers Super Fan.”
Eleven-year-old Mikayla Golka pretty much was born loving hockey. Her mom, Erin August, is a huge hockey fan and played herself.
“We went to one game -- hooked,” said Erin.
“Like mother like daughter,” added Mikayla.
Any chance Mikayla gets, she loves to show off her skills. She did just that when she competed for Little Miss Arc Broward. Her talent? The history of the rat!
Arc Broward is all about creating opportunities for people with disabilities and other life challenges, like Mikayla, who has autism. The pageant is a chance to build confidence and make friends.
“As Arc says, it’s their time to share their sparkle. It was exciting to see her share her sparkle,” said Erin. “I am so grateful to Arc for helping her find her inner voice and gain even more confidence.”
The Panthers took notice and invited her to watch one of the play-off games in the Barkov Suite. Since she seems to be a good luck charm for the Panthers, she got another surprise on “Good Morning America.” The NHL presented Mikayla with two tickets to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final! It was yet another special moment for a girl with big dreams.
When asked what she wants to do when she grows up, Mikayla’s answer was simple.
“Become the first woman to get the Stanley Cup,” she said.
To find out more about Arc Broward, visit their website https://arcbroward.com/