Michelle Deines isn’t just a homeschool mom and wife driving the Zamboni at her job as a supervisor at the Longmont Ice Pavilion — she is also the newly crowned Mrs. Longmont and a philanthropist who wants to call attention to area organizations working to benefit the community.
“My platform is called ‘Serving Others to Strengthen Communities with Purpose, Kindness and Faith,’” Deines said. “I have a podcast titled ‘Serving Locally, with Michelle’ where I spotlight service in the community. I have featured organizations like Food Rescue and the Humane Society. I am trying to use the spotlight of my title to shine it on the amazing services in our community to hopefully connect people.”
Deines entered the pageant for the first time last year because she thought it would be a way to do something positive for others. That dedication to service is central to her life. She works as an assistant lead to process ballots during elections and spends time on the weekends serving her church. Deines makes “memory bears” using the clothes of loved ones who have passed away so that families can have a lasting remembrance of the person they lost.
Still, pageants didn’t seem like her calling until recently. Deines is a natural introvert. She loves spending quiet time with her family. Finding her place in the spotlight took time and encouragement from others.
“I am not a pageant girl,” Deines said. “My mom was a titleholder in the 2000s. She is competing again as Mrs. Firestone with me, and that has been so much fun.”
Deines’ husband, Adam, and their two children, Chase and Laney, are also strong supporters of her mission. She is surrounded by proud family members and friends who see the difference she is trying to make in her community.
“It is fun and I have learned so much about myself and my community with this experience,” she said. “I am just a wife and mother, trying to benefit others.”
Deines’ next step is the Colorado state pageant. There, anywhere from 35-65 contestants will gather at the Ellie Caulkins Oprah House to compete for the title of the 48th Mrs. Colorado. The competition will be held on April 6th.
According to Emily Stark, Colorado Pageant Director for the Mrs. America competition, the original competition began in 1937.
“It started as a homemaking skills competition. In 1977, the pageant experienced revamping to the current format, with a personal interview, swimsuit, evening gown and onstage interview,” she said.
Contestants range anywhere in age from 18 – 73 years of age. “This year, we have a 63-year-old queen,” Stark said.
Winners receive around $20,000 in prizes and services, including the opportunity to represent her state at the national Mrs. America pageant and can potentially advance on to Mrs. World pageant, Stark said.
Deines, however, is focused less on where competition can take her, and more on what she is doing for Longmont today.
“As amazing as winning Mrs. Colorado would be, that would end my opportunity to be Mrs. Longmont, and I feel I can continue to use this title to connect and strengthen our community,” she said.
