2025 DOGWOOD FESTIVAL LADIES IN WAITING

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Danielle Ray Pittman – Colmesneil Lady in Waiting

Danielle Ray Pittman, daughter of Chris Rogers and the late Raven Rogers, is honored to serve as Colmesneil’s Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Hogan Grant Ueckert, son of Brady and Susan Ueckert.

An active and dedicated student, Danielle is involved in numerous school organizations, serving as an officer in both the National Honor Society and FFA, as well as participating in Student Council, softball, basketball, powerlifting, and UIL academics. Her passion for sports, animals, and—when time allows—sleeping, keeps her busy both on and off the field.

After graduation, Danielle plans to pursue a career in marine biology. Above all, she values the love and support of her family, who have played a significant role in shaping her journey.

Olivia Belle Meredith – Warren Lady in Waiting

Olivia Belle Meredith, daughter of Brad and Brandy Meredith, is honored to represent Warren as a Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Samuel Ben Standley, son of Matt and Carrie Standley.

A leader in her school, Olivia is Vice President of both Student Council and HOSA, as well as Class Secretary and FFA Historian. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, plays volleyball, and is a baseball manager.

In her free time, Olivia enjoys cooking, reading, and scrapbooking. One of her favorite Dogwood memories is participating in the Queen’s Parade at just seven years old, watching the community line the parade route. Now, she is thrilled to be part of the festival once again and looks forward to making new friends with the members of the royal court.

After graduation, Olivia plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University to pursue a degree in Agribusiness.

Addison Lynae’ Carraway – Woodville Lady in Waiting

Addison Lynae’ Carraway, daughter of Cody and Jaclyn Gray and Dustin and Anessa Carraway, is honored to represent Woodville as a Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Landen Richard Primrose, son of Isaac Primrose and Sarah and Cliff Russell.

Addison’s passion for helping others is reflected in her future career plans to become a nurse. In her spare time, she enjoys learning random medical facts and shopping.

She is excited to inspire the young girls at the Royal Tea and become part of their cherished Dogwood memories. Addison is involved in many high school activities, including National Honor Society, HOSA, Interact Club, Student Council, and cheerleading. She was also honored to be on the Homecoming Court.

Though Addison wasn’t born in Tyler County, she’s proud to say, “I got here as fast as I could!” She looks forward to continuing her journey and contributing to the Dogwood Festival.

Kyli Rei Handley – Chester Lady in Waiting

Kyli Rei Handley, daughter of Coty and Kana Handley, is proud to represent Chester as a Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Gabrien Rex Monroe Gilzow, son of Gabe and Sandy Gilzow.

Kyli plans to pursue her dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot after attending college. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and hunting. One of her greatest life experiences was traveling to Japan to visit her grandmother, meet relatives, and immerse herself in the culture.

She is most excited for the Kingsman’s Ball, where she looks forward to having fun with everyone who came to the first night of judging and bonding with everyone involved in the Dogwood Festival. Kyli has been an active participant in high school, excelling and earning honors in volleyball, basketball, track and field, cross country, UIL academics, and serving as a member of the National Honor Society. 

Rali Lain Chapman – Spurger Lady in Waiting

Rali Lain Chapman, daughter of Kyle and Josi Chapman, is honored to represent Spurger as a Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Gage Michael Gray, son of Justin Gray and Doug and Sarah Eddins.

A passionate animal lover, Rali plans to attend Blinn College and eventually earn a degree in Animal Science. She is deeply involved in both High School Rodeo and FFA, where she serves as FFA Secretary and is part of the Forestry team, which qualified for state. Rali has also achieved notable titles, including being the 2019 Western Weekend Sweetheart and Miss Polk County Rodeo Sweetheart. She is a three-time state qualifier in goat tying for the Texas High School Rodeo Association.

Rali is most excited for the Jean Fling, Scavenger Hunt, and Kingsman’s Ball, as she loves to dance and socialize. Born and raised in Tyler County, she is eager to continue building a career around her passion for animals and caring for them.

Alyssa Lynae Johanson – Woodville Lady in Waiting

Alyssa Lynae Johanson, daughter of Josh and Tina Johanson, is proud to represent Woodville as a Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Kaden Luke Michael Satterwhite, son of Mitch Satterwhite and Tiffany and Robert Borel.

Alyssa plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Her hobbies include showing livestock, taking pictures, and baking. She fondly remembers attending her first Dogwood parade at the age of five, an experience that left a lasting impression.

Throughout high school, Alyssa has been involved in the Interact Club, FFA, FCCLA, and 4-H Club. She was honored with the Rotary Youth Leadership Award for her dedication and leadership. Alyssa is passionate about animals, enjoys shopping, and has a special love for zebra print.

River Lyn Squier – Colmesneil Lady in Waiting

River Lyn Squier, daughter of Jason and Coty Squier, is honored to represent Colmesneil as a Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Blanton T. Nathan Johnston, son of Brandon Johnston.

River plans to attend Texas A&M University, where she will pursue a career in pediatric nursing. With a love for the outdoors, she enjoys fishing, riding ATVs, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends. The lake and summertime are among her favorite things, as they bring opportunities for fun, relaxation, and making cherished memories.

One of her fondest Dogwood Festival memories is serving as a trainbearer in the sixth grade, an experience that made her excited for the day she could take part in the festival as a member of the royal court. Throughout high school, River has been highly involved in athletics, the fishing team, and the National Honor Society, all while maintaining straight A’s throughout her high school years.

Emma Lee Byrd – Chester Lady in Waiting

Emma Lee Byrd, daughter of Jason and Becki Byrd, proudly represents Chester as a Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Kasen Daniel Citrano, son of Jason and Candice Citrano.

Emma plans to attend Blinn College to become a physical therapist assistant, a career inspired by her own experiences overcoming athletic injuries with the help of dedicated physical therapists. Her three favorite things are volleyball, lake days, and sunshine—reflecting her love for sports and the outdoors.

One of her proudest accomplishments was receiving the JP Johnson/Aubry Bradley Athletic Award, recognizing her dedication as an athlete. Her favorite Dogwood memories include attending the parades and helping her mom take pictures at Dogwood events.

She was active in volleyball, cheerleading, basketball, track and field, and sports training. She currently serves as National Honor Society president and is a regional qualifier in UIL academics. Emma is excited to experience the festival as part of the royal court and create lasting memories.

Sarah Mahayla DeCorte – Warren Lady in Waiting

Sarah Mahayla DeCorte, daughter of Adam and Jamie DeCorte, is honored to represent Warren as a Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Cole Dalton Walters, son of Billy and Gena Walters. 

Sarah plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University, where she will major in Hospitality Administration with a focus on culinary arts. Her ultimate goal is to open her own bakery, combining her love for baking with her passion for creating memorable experiences for others.

Beyond baking, Sarah enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her family. She adores her cat, Milo, loves visiting the park, and never turns down a Dr. Pepper.

During high school, Sarah has been actively involved as an FFA officer, competing in chapter conducting, forestry judging, and poultry judging. She has also earned her prestigious Lonestar Degree. Additionally, she participates in basketball, student council, and the National Honor Society. She looks forward to making unforgettable memories as part of the Dogwood Festival.

Taylor Audrey Greer – Woodville Lady in Waiting

Taylor Audrey Greer, daughter of Tony and Lisa Greer, is honored to represent Woodville as a Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Wesley Wyatt Walsh, son of Wyatt and Rebecca Walsh.

After high school, Taylor plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University, where she will major in kinesiology. She hopes to turn her passion for sports and fitness into a lifelong career.

Taylor enjoys playing volleyball and softball, as well as quilting and sewing. She also loves to cook and spend time with friends. One of her fondest Dogwood memories is preparing a dress with her grandmother to wear in the parade when she was in the fifth grade. She is especially excited for the Royal Tea, where she hopes to inspire young girls and show them the joy of being part of the festival.

During high school, Taylor has been involved in volleyball, softball, cheerleading, cross-country, track and field, student council, HOSA, Interact Club, National Honor Society, and Leo Club.

Avery Leann Tibbetts – Warren Lady in Waiting

Avery Leann Tibbetts, daughter of Travis and Amanda Tibbetts, is proud to represent Warren as a Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Jameus Gabriel Harrod, son of Gary and Jamie Harrod.

After high school, Avery plans to attend Angelina College to study radiology and eventually become an X-ray technician. She enjoys baking, reading, and playing golf, as well as attending church and spending time with her family.

Avery is especially excited to be a part of the parade, as it has always been a favorite tradition of hers. She loves seeing all the creative floats and experiencing the community’s excitement during the festival.

Throughout high school, she has been involved in volleyball, cheerleading, golf, FFA, powerlifting, and student council. As a member of Agricultural Issues in FFA, she has developed strong leadership skills, and she is also proud to have earned Grand Champion for Photography at the Tyler County Fair.

Abby Gayle Grimes – Chester Lady in Waiting

Abby Gayle Grimes, daughter of Bronson and Susan Grimes, is honored to represent Chester as a Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Joshua Augustus “Gus” David, son of Bob and Melissa David.

After graduation, Abby plans to pursue online courses to obtain her real estate license. She has a deep love for her family and her dog, and she is passionate about showing Brahman cattle through FFA. One of her favorite Dogwood memories is watching her sister represent Chester as Princess, and she is excited to now have her own opportunity to be a part of this special tradition.

Abby is highly involved in FFA, where she competes in contests, shows cattle and swine, and has earned the prestigious Lonestar Degree. She is also part of the chapter conducting team. In addition, she serves as the National Honor Society Secretary, Class Secretary, and participates in basketball and volleyball.

Lillian Grace Ballesteros – Colmesneil Lady in Waiting

Lillian Grace Ballesteros, daughter of Jeff and Jennifer Davis and Alberto Ballesteros, is honored to represent Colmesneil as a Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Mason Edward Sullivan, son of Jeremy and Virgie Barnes and Ed and Jeanie Sullivan.

After high school, Lillian plans to attend Sam Houston State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in social work. She has a passion for painting, baking, dancing, acting, and floral design. One of her proudest achievements was advancing to the area competition in One Act Play as a freshman.

Her favorite Dogwood memory is performing on stage as a young girl with Tawnya’s School of Dance. This year, she is especially looking forward to Western Weekend, as she loves attending the rodeo with friends.

Lillian is actively involved in her school, participating in Spanish Club, Student Council, Dance Team, One Act Play, UIL Film, and Yearbook.

Kolbi Diane Hutto – Woodville Lady in Waiting

Kolbi Diane Hutto, daughter of Jamie Dykes and James Humphries, is honored to represent Woodville as a Lady in Waiting. She will be escorted by Aiden Izac Weeks, son of Brandon and Alana Weeks.

Kolbi plans to attend East Texas Baptist University on a cheer scholarship, where she will pursue a degree in nursing. A dedicated student and athlete, she has been actively involved in cheerleading, volleyball, track and field, tennis, and drill team. Additionally, she participates in HOSA, Interact Club, Student Council, Leo’s Club, One Act Play, Theater, FFA, Eagles for Christ, and serves as a Student Trainer.

Her hobbies include cheerleading and talking to her dog as if he were human. She enjoys warm weather, spending time with family, and trying to get as tan as possible. Her favorite Dogwood memory is getting ready with her cousins to watch their older relatives take the stage during the 82nd Dogwood Festival.