The Dennis G. Pugh Scholarship is awarded annually to a senior at each Salina public high school, providing $1,000 to one deserving student from each school. Recipients are chosen by the scholarship trustees, who seek out students with a similar dedication to service and education as Major Dennis Gerard Pugh, the scholarship's namesake. Major Pugh, a Central High graduate, served in the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th U.S. Air Force, and was the only individual from Saline County classified as missing in action. This year's Central High winner of the Dennis G. Pugh Scholarship is Paige Hinca, who was presented with the scholarship by Major Pugh's brother, Dale Pugh. Major Pugh and 11 other prisoners of war from Saline County will be honored with a monument unveiled and dedicated on Memorial Day at Sunset Park in the Salina-Saline County War Memorial. Learn more about Major Pugh by visiting https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/41881/DENNIS-G-PUGH/, https://www.pownetwork.org/bios/p/p081.htm, or https://www.305centralhigh.com/our_school/hall_of_fame.
