Dr. Carl Birchard Memorial Scholarship

History:

Dr. Carl Birchard was born on June 10, 1940, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Russell W. and Margaret A. Birchard. He had a unique and inspiring educational journey, starting in a one-room mission school and completing his first two years of high school by correspondence. At the age of 15, Carl left Guatemala to complete his high school education, graduating from Columbus High School in Columbus, Wisconsin, in 1958.

He earned a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in chemistry, with minors in theology and biology, from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, before attending the University of Illinois’ College of Medicine on the Chicago campus, where he earned his medical degree.

Carl was deeply involved in his community, particularly in the Centralia Nazarene Church, where he served as a leader, Sunday school teacher, and participant in work and witness missions to countries such as Africa, Papua New Guinea, India, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Mexico.

He was also committed to scouting and served as scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 373 in Chehalis for 7½ years, growing the troop from 3 boys to over 50. Many of the boys, including his two sons, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout under his guidance.

Scholarship Purpose:

The Dr. Carl Birchard Memorial Scholarship was created to honor his lifelong commitment to education, service, and community involvement. The scholarship supports graduating seniors who show interest in pursuing careers in the medical field, with a particular focus on those who have participated in scouting programs.