BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Editor

Anne Baldwin admitted participating in beauty pageants was never something that crossed her mind.
Last year, the 2004 Clarkston High School graduate came across the Mrs. Michigan America pageants (part of the Mrs. America system) and thought, “Why not?”
“It’s been a year of so much sadness and frustration I thought it would be fun to do something just for me,” Baldwin said. “Plus, I knew it was a great way to showcase my community involvement and what I am passionate about.
“My biggest challenge has been my own self-confidence. When learning about pageant prep, I realized that I had severely underestimated what pageant women do to prepare. To many of them, they’ve been competing for years and it’s like a sport to them. So I’ve had to work on not comparing myself to these other women and focus on myself and what I bring to the table.”
The Mrs. Michigan America pageant is part of the Mrs. America/Mrs. World Pageant system, and the upcoming pageant is slated for May 8.
It is for women who are over the age of 18 and married. The competition consists of three parts – an interview with a panel of judges, physical fitness, and evening gown.

Women are judged on their communication skills, confidence, level of fitness, and overall look.
The winner will go on to compete in the Mrs. America pageant in Las Vegas later this year.
What would it mean to Baldwin if she won Mrs. Michigan?
“After I graduated high school at 17, I moved to New York City to go to college, and I swore I was ‘too good’ for Michigan and I would never ever move back,” Baldwin said. “After 14 years of living in NYC and the surrounding area, I came home. I realized Clarkston was where my heart was, and I wanted my kids to grow up in a quieter and slower environment than NYC. Being able to represent Michigan, a state that I love, would be such an honor.
“It would also be a responsibility that I take incredibly seriously. Having a title like Mrs. Michigan allows you to work with various nonprofits and organizations throughout the state. Winning would mean I have a larger platform to stand on to continue to help stop the stigma around Tourette syndrome and neurological disorders in children.”
Born and raised in Clarkston, Baldwin attended Our Lady of the Lakes, Springfield Plains Elementary, and Clarkston High School.
She attended middle school in Sweden while her father worked for SAAB.
“Some of my favorite memories of growing up in Clarkston were being a varsity cheerleader during high school, the concerts in Depot Park, and getting the iced shortbread cookies from Clarkston Bake Shop after church every Sunday,” said Baldwin.
Through her latest adventure, Baldwin said her husband Nick has been her biggest supporter.
“My husband never questions any crazy idea I have and does anything he can to make sure that I succeed in anything I do,” said Baldwin. “When I told him I was signing up for the pageant, he right away asked me what I needed, what he could help with, and has been genuinely excited for me during this entire process.
“My family (parents and sisters) have also been so supportive, whether it’s been helping me shop for a dress, help me practice interview questions, or just being there to bounce ideas off of. If COVID restrictions allow, they all plan to be in the cheering section night of the competition.”
Now back living in Clarkston with Nick and their two sons, Levi and August “Gus,” who attend Pine Knob Elementary virtually this year, Baldwin is immersing herself in her home community.
“Since moving back, I’ve really gotten involved in the community through teaching religious education at St. Dan’s, doing large personal hygiene drives for Lighthouse Clarkston, working with SCAMP to chair the Walk and Roll, and now joining the board of the PKE PTA,” Baldwin said.
“While I take immense pride in representing all of Oakland County, I’m especially proud to represent our special town.”