Dr. Carl and Dee Birchard Memorial Scholarship

History:

Dr. Carl Birchard
Dr. Carl Birchard was a gifted physician whose life was shaped by service, faith, and compassion for underserved communities. Raised in a missionary family in Guatemala, his early education in a one-room mission school fostered a lifelong love of learning and deep empathy for others. After earning degrees from Olivet Nazarene University and the University of Illinois College of Medicine, he dedicated his career to caring for people in need.

Alongside his wife, Carl spent ten years providing medical care in remote villages of the Panama Canal Zone before returning to Centralia, where he helped establish Washington Orthopaedic Center. He also served his community through church ministries, international medical missions, and youth leadership. As Scoutmaster of Troop 373, he grew the troop from three boys to more than fifty, guiding many young men—including both of his sons—to the rank of Eagle Scout.

Delores “Dee” Birchard
Delores “Dee” Birchard was a devoted nurse, teacher, missionary, and community volunteer whose warmth and resilience touched everyone she met. She worked her way through nursing school, later taught nursing, coordinated jungle medical clinics, and led mission teams across Central America, the Caribbean, India, and Africa.

Dee was a gifted writer, joyful hostess, and natural encourager who made people feel welcomed and valued. She supported her family through countless adventures and invested deeply in her husband, sons, and grandchildren. Her lifelong service was recognized through honors including the Argo High School Distinguished Alumni Award and the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award.

Together, Carl and Dee built a life grounded in service, compassion, faith, and a deep love for family and community. Their home was known for hospitality, generosity, and laughter, reflecting the values they lived every day.

Purpose:

The Dr. Carl and Dee Birchard Memorial Scholarship honors their legacy of love, leadership, and lifelong service. The scholarship exists to support graduating W.F. West High School seniors who are pursuing careers in the medical field, reflecting Carl and Dee’s commitment to compassionate care, global citizenship, and investing in young people who desire to serve others.