2026 Warren
Karli Ryals
Karli Aline Ryals has been selected as a Warren Lady-in-Waiting for the upcoming Tyler County Dogwood Festival. She is the daughter of Tracy and Jesse Ryals. Serving as her escort for the festivities will be Landon Bell, son of Kiera and Amiee Bell. Karli has participated in One Act Play, cheerleading, and powerlifting, where she qualified for the regional meet for two consecutive years. Karli is also involved in FFA, serving as historian and member of the Ag Issues team. In addition, she is a member of New Life in Christ. Karli has especially enjoyed being part of the student teacher
program under Mrs. Spivey. During Mrs. Spivey’s maternity leave, Karli helped lead and run theater rehearsals for eight weeks, an experience that strengthened her passion for teaching and the performing arts. After graduation, Karli plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University, where she
has been accepted into the School of Theatre. She hopes to earn her degree and become a theater teacher. In her free time, Karli enjoys reading, singing, arts and crafts, and writing plays. Her favorite three things are Jesus, theater, and her family. Karli is honored to represent Warren and looks forward to being part of the traditions of this year’s Dogwood Festival.
Emma Smith
Emma Louise Smith will represent Warren as a Lady-in-Waiting. She is the daughter of Katie Smith and Colby Smith. Brayden Yawn, son of Christian and Brian Yawn, will escort Emma. Emma has been actively involved in numerous academic, leadership, and extracurricular activities. She serves as Interact Club president, HOSA president, class secretary, and Student Council secretary, and is the captain of the debate club. Emma is also involved in FFA, where she serves as treasurer and participates in floriculture, chapter conducting, ag issues, and ag advocacy. In addition, she is a
member of Christians in Action, serves as yearbook editor, and participates in cheerleading and softball. After graduation, Emma plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University to major in agricultural communications, with the goal of pursuing a career in journalism. In her free time, Emma enjoys baking, playing the piano, photography, reading, playing tennis with friends, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite things include the History Channel, author Ruth Reichl, and her family. She enjoyed traveling with fellow Lady-in-Waiting Karli Ryals to see the Great Smoky Mountains, a trip she says was one of the most beautiful experiences she has had and hopes to repeat after graduation. Emma is honored to represent Warren in this year’s Dogwood Festival celebrations.
Ruby Spurlock
Ruby Adelle Spurlock will represent Warren as a Lady-in-Waiting for the Tyler County Dogwood Festival. She is the daughter of Kirsten and Caleb Spurlock of Warren. Serving as her escort for the festivities will be Phillip Mashaw, son of Jolea and Phillip Mashaw. Ruby has been actively involved in a wide variety of academic, athletic, and leadership activities. She has played both volleyball and softball and has been a regional qualifier in track and field for the past three years. Ruby is also a member of Warren FFA and has served as secretary, as well as McGee Bend District reporter. In addition, she has served as National Honor Society president, Student Council treasurer, HOSA secretary, and Rotary Interact treasurer, and she is a member of Christians in Action. Ruby is most proud of maintaining the number one ranking in her class since her freshman year while earning a place on the All A Honor Roll each year. She has enjoyed participating in the Dogwood Festival’s historical play for several years. After graduation, Ruby plans to attend the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University where she intends to study accounting and pursue a career as a Certified Public Accountant. In her free time, Ruby enjoys running, hunting, reading, playing sports, and traveling to see the world. She is honored to represent Warren and looks forward to being part of this year’s Dogwood Festival celebrations.