TYLER COUNTY – The Dogwood Festival season is upon us soon. In two short weeks, with the Festival of the Arts weekend to kick it off, the festival will enter its 82nd year and mark the inauguration of springtime to befall Tyler County.
The third weekend, Queen’s Weekend, which is celebrated on Saturday, April 5, will culminate with the crowning of a new Dogwood Queen. Here is a look at the five young ladies who were selected to serve as the county’s Dogwood Princesses, each one vying for the crown in April.
Lily Grace Read – Chester Princess
Chester Princess Lily Grace Read is the daughter of Wade and Stacy Read. Lily’s escort is Cutter David Lowe, son of Laura David and Stacey and Teri Lowe.
Lily has been dedicated to showing Brahman cattle for around a decade, a passion that has instilled a strong work ethic, goal-setting skills, and the confidence to step out of her comfort zone. Her dedication to agriculture has earned her numerous honors, including the Legacy Award, Overall Herdsman Award, and the R.A. Jernigan Award at the Tyler County Fair.
Outside of the show ring, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and shopping. She has excelled in athletics during her high school years as well. Her three favorite things are her sisters, listening to music, and her sweet dog, Quincy.
Lily plans to attend Angelina College to complete her basic courses before transferring to Stephen F. Austin State University to pursue a degree in Agricultural Communications.
As a child, one of her most treasured Dogwood memories was attending the Royal Tea Party and admiring the Princesses and Ladies in Waiting. She is looking forward to experiencing the Tea Party from the other side this year.
Lillian Jasmine Jalomo – Colmesneil Princess
Lillian Jasmine Jalomo will represent Colmesneil as Princess for the 82nd Dogwood Festival. Lillian is the daughter of Lorena Shamblin and Toby Brown. She will be escorted by Zakary Rien Mitchell, son of Erin Derden and Chris Mitchell.
An active and well-rounded student, Lillian has been involved in numerous activities as a Bulldog, including volleyball, cross country, tennis, basketball, powerlifting, track and field, theater, FFA, and UIL. Her hard work and dedication have advanced her to the regional competition level in both cross country and powerlifting—an accomplishment she holds with great pride.
Outside of all her high school activities, Lillian finds joy in working with her animals and is also employed at the renowned Burger House in Colmesneil. After graduating from high school, Lillian will attend Texas A&M University, where she will pursue a degree in veterinary medicine.
Family, food, and Jesus Christ are the three things closest to Lillian’s heart. As Dogwood Princess, she is most excited about the coronation itself and the chance to make new friends and memories to cherish throughout her life.
Carter Geneva Wright – Spurger Princess
Carter Geneva Wright will represent Spurger as Princess this year. Carter is the daughter of Morgan and Chesney Wright. She will be escorted by Landon Lee Guillory, son of Brandon and Nicole Guillory.
Carter has demonstrated academic excellence throughout high school, earning 52 college credit hours while remaining active in extracurricular activities. She currently serves as FFA President, BETA Club President, and Senior Class President. Her dedication to leadership and service earned her the Greenhand Award and the title of Miss SHS.
Passionate about creativity and animals, Carter enjoys art, sewing, and working with all animals, from chickens to cattle. She treasures times spent antique shopping with her sister, listening to classic rock, and caring for her cat, Julio.
Carter plans to continue her education at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she will pursue a degree in Animal Science.
One of Carter’s fondest childhood Dogwood memories happened when attending a festival brunch. Unbeknownst to her mother, Carter proudly chose to wear hot pink vampire teeth that perfectly matched her dress.
Carter is honored and excited to represent her school as Princess, sharing this tradition with her family, joining her cousins on the stage, and being escorted by her best friend.
Chloe Faith Johnston – Warren Princess
Chloe Faith Johnston is the Princess from Warren. Chloe is the daughter of Lorie and Dennis Moore and Rex Johnston. She will be escorted by Parker Anthony Brocato, son of Paul and Suzann Brocato.
A natural leader, Chloe has made a lasting impact on her school. She currently serves as Student Council Treasurer and has been actively involved in FFA, NHS, HOSA and Cheerleading all throughout high school. This year, she had the honor of leading her squad as Varsity Cheer Captain. Her FFA achievements include advancing to Area in Public Relations and reaching the State level in Floriculture.
Chloe loves spending time with her family and her cherished dog, Bentley. She also enjoys baking, reading, and shopping.
After high school, she plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University, where she will pursue a degree in Nursing.
One of the moments she is most excited about as a Dogwood Princess is participating in the parades, as she enjoys seeing the entire community come together to create spectacular floats. Chloe is grateful for the opportunity to represent Warren and extends her appreciation to all who make the Dogwood Festival possible.
Alyson Rene Neville – Woodville Princess
Woodville Dogwood Princess, Alyson Rene Neville, is the daughter of Wesley Neville and Erica Neville. Alyson will be escorted this year by Stephen Boudreaux, son of Larry Joe Boudreaux.
Alyson is so honored to represent Woodville on the stage this year, and she looks forward to celebrating the 2025 Dogwood Festival alongside her friends. When she has free time, Alyson enjoys painting, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite things include anything sweet, pasta, and her dogs.
Alyson has taken on leadership roles in multiple organizations during high school, serving as National Honor Society President and Class Vice President. She is also an active member of the Student Council, FCCLA, HOSA, and Floral Design. Additionally, she plays volleyball and takes dual-credit college courses. Her favorite high school activity has been athletic training, as she has found a passion for helping to keep athletes healthy, prevent injuries, and aid in recovery. She also enjoys the fast-paced, hands-on aspect of training, all while being part of a team.
Following graduation, Alyson plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University to major in kinesiology.
