2025 Operating Directors
Back Row (L-R) - Kyle Chapman, Josi Chapman, Jeff Johnston, Tracy Johnston, Stephen Hill, Jana Rayburn, Melanie Calhoon, Chesney Wright, Ofeira Gazzaway and Carrie Standley
Seated (L-R) - Joanna Jarrott, Pammy Narvaez, Michael Evans, Heather Richardson, LaLa Elrod and Brooke Allison
Not Pictured - Martin Spurlock
2025 Operating Directors
Permanent Board of Directors
Kim Overstreet-Shaw, President
Fred Sullivan
Erline Ingle
Belinda Allison
Susan Broadnax
Don Shaw
George Jarrott
Glen Conner
Betsy Stafford
Janay Rainey
Buck Hudson
Honorees
Mr. East Texas
2025 - Representative Trent Ashby
The Mr. East Texas Award was established in 1967 and is presented at the discretion of the operating board of directors to the East Texan who best exemplifies the spirit and quality of leadership which advances, shapes and gives direction to the growth and progress of East Texas.
Congratulations to
Mr. East Texas 2025
Representative Trent Ashby
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐛𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐌𝐫. 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐬.
Representative Trent Ashby was sworn into the Texas House of Representatives in January 2013. His district is comprised of Angelina, Houston, Polk, San Augustine, Trinity, and Tyler Counties. Trent is currently a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, as well as the Committee on Public Education, and serves as the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Academic & Career-Oriented Education.
Born and raised on a dairy farm and diversified livestock operation in Rusk County, Ashby is proud of his rural background and upbringing. He is a graduate of Henderson High School and was named one of their distinguished alumni in 2014. Trent is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics. While at A&M, he was elected to the Student Senate, Class Treasurer, and Senior Yell Leader. He continues to be involved with his alma mater through the Texas A&M Letterman's Association and Association of Former Students.
Today, Trent is a Senior Vice President for VeraBank. He and his wife, Nickie, live in Lufkin where they raised their two sons, Garin and Grant. Trent and Nickie remain active in the community and attend Harmony Hill Baptist Church.
Representative Ashby’s continued support for Tyler County has left a lasting impact on our community. His dedication to our local traditions and growth is appreciated by many, and we look forward to his continued representation in Austin.
Parade Marshal
2025 - Kim Cruse
The Tyler County Dogwood Festival is honored to welcome Kim Cruse as our 2025 Parade Marshal.
Kim Cruse is a gifted vocalist from Woodville, TX. The daughter of Bobby and Ramona Cruise, Kim began singing in her father’s church at a young age, where she developed a deep connection to music. She was active in extra-curricular events at Woodville High School, singing in the High School Choir and taking up tennis as a hobby. Kim was crowned Miss Tyler County in 2010, as well as winning the talent portion, and was the first African American to hold that title. She also has a history with our Dogwood Festival, as she participated in the Historical Play during her high school years and even after graduation. Kim’s talent led her to share the stage with gospel legend John P. Kee and R&B artist Monica, further establishing her as a force in the industry.
Her journey to wider recognition began with a standout performance on the YouTube competition Race To The Blue with Terrell Grice, ultimately securing a feature on his debut album, An Invitation To The Cookout, alongside Lalah Hathaway. In 2021, Kim released her self-titled debut EP, Kim Cruse, which reached #8 on the iTunes R&B charts. She gained national attention as a Top 8 finalist on The Voice (Season 22), where her powerhouse vocals captivated audiences.
Kim’s career has taken her to prestigious events such as the Houston Grand Opera Ball and Leigh Steinberg’s Super Bowl party, as well as performances across the U.S. and Germany. Her latest project, Mixed Emotions, showcases her signature blend of emotion and vocal artistry, solidifying her place as a rising star in the music world.
With a passion for storytelling through song, Kim Cruse continues to make an impact, leaving a lasting impression on every stage she graces!
James E. Wheat Award
The spirit of the festival is one of voluntary cooperation which has its fullest expression each year as dozens of committees and individuals work together. In 1975, the operating directors established the James E. Wheat Award in order to recognize truly exceptional leaders, who through the years have given most unselfishly of their time and talents to the Tyler County Dogwood Festival.
The award, named in honor of the founder of the festival, will be presented annually at the discretion of the directors to the person or persons who are felt to have exhibited the spirit of cooperation which James E. Wheat thought was the key to success in this endeavor.
Congratulations to our
2025 Recipients!