The Full Story
Meet The Founder
Hi! My names is Amanda Theresa Simmons. I'm a proud Connecticut native who grew up in the small town of Hebron. I'm currently a junior at the University of Hartford, where I've had the amazing opportunity to work as News Director for STN2—our student television network— where I help produce weekly news packages for our campus news show.
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Recently, I discovered a passion for pageantry—and with that came the vision for The Golden Ticket.
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Growing up, my family didn't always have the means to do simple things, like drive to the park or enjoy a fun outing. Sometimes, even gas money stood in the way of a normal day of fun. That's why this mission is so close to my heart. I want to give families an outlet— a chance for their kids to just be kids, laugh, play, and create joyful memories they'll never forget.
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The Golden Ticket is my way of spreading God's love, one joyful experience at a time.
Me in 2017...
Here I am at my very first pageant—what an unforgettable experience! I decided to join because my best friend at the time promised it would be amazing, and they were absolutely right. Even though I haven’t been able to do another one since, this one left a huge mark on me. It was such a fun, empowering day that gave me a big boost of confidence and memories I’ll always treasure!
And today...
I’m officially a 2025 state finalist for NAM Miss Connecticut! I’m beyond excited to hit the stage, meet some amazing people, and keep growing The Golden Ticket! This journey has already been incredible, and it’s only getting better from here. Let’s do this! 👑✨
