This spring, the St. Pius X Catholic High School community joined the McMillin family in honoring the life and legacy of a beloved former student, Dena McMillin, by awarding the 27th Dena McMillin Memorial Scholarship to Monica Yuot, a student who exemplifies the same heart for faith, service, and excellence that Dena so beautifully lived.
Dena was a student at both St. Gabriel and St. Pius X, remembered for her genuine kindness and her unwavering commitment to her Catholic faith, her school, and her community. On what should have been a joyful day—her 16th birthday in the summer of 1998—Dena tragically lost her life just moments before a surprise party held in her honor. Though her life was cut short, her legacy has carried on for over two decades in powerful and tangible ways.
Through the gift of organ and tissue donation, Dena gave more than 75 individuals a second chance at life. Her example of selflessness and service continues to impact others profoundly—not only through her final acts of generosity but through the annual awarding of this scholarship in her name. Her memory is also visibly honored in the beautiful memorial park at the entrance to the SPX gym, a peaceful place that stands as a tribute to her spirit.
This year’s recipient, Monica Yuot, joins a distinguished group of past scholarship winners—including Jill Tyner (the first recipient), Uchenna Anikwe, Kayte Meese, Emily Bryant, Caroline McCoy, and last year’s honoree, Caty Cadwell. Like them, Monica has demonstrated a steadfast devotion to her faith, school, and community. She has shown by her actions that she is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others—just as Dena once did.
As we congratulate Monica on receiving this well-deserved scholarship, we also pause to remember and celebrate Dena McMillin on what would have been her 43rd birthday. We extend our continued gratitude to the McMillin family for their ongoing dedication to honoring Dena’s life and for helping to inspire future generations of St. Pius X students.
May Dena’s legacy of faith, compassion, and service live on through each recipient of her scholarship—and may we all strive to live as she did, spreading God’s love through our words, actions, and values.
