BIRGER SOLBERG SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Scholarship History

Since 1999 the Birger Solberg Scholarship Fund has awarded $115,000 to 37 college-bound Sehome High School graduates who embody the essence of Birger: dedication to athletics; high academic achievement; engagement in the school community; and a fun-loving spirit.

To expand the scholarship and continue to award this opportunity to students in our community, we intend to raise a new round of funds to create a sustainable scholarship that will be available for years to come.

With the generosity of an anonymous donor, the first $40,000 of donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

Our goal is to raise $100,000.  Make a Gift HERE!!

The Birger Solberg Scholarship was created in honor and memory of Birger

birgerBirger was a four sport athlete at Mount Baker High School.  He attended Central Washington University, where he competed in football and track.  He finished his education degree at Western Washington University, and spent the first eight years of his teaching career in Nooksack Valley and the next five years in the Ferndale School District.  In 1989 he began teaching social studies at Sehome High School, where he also coached football, golf and track.  During his time at Sehome, Birger left a lasting impression both in the classroom and on the sports fields.  He always told his friends that if he had to choose between teaching and coaching, he would pick teaching.  He passed away in 1999 after a six-month battle with cancer.

The Winner’s Creed

If you think you are beaten, you are;

If you think you dare not, you don’t;

If you’d like to win, but think you can’t

It’s almost certain, you won’t.


If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost;

Since out in our world we find

success begins with a person’s will,

It’s all in your state of mind.


Life’s battles don’t always go

to the stronger or faster hand;

But sooner or later

the person who wins

is the one who thinks…”I CAN”.

Scholarship Recipients

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birger winners
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Scholarship Committee

Robbi (Solberg) Winter, President

Colin Cushman, Sehome High School Activities/Athletic Coordinator

Kim Kirk, Sehome High School Social Studies Teacher

Brett Mason, Umpqua Bank Loan Officer

Gretchen (Plank) Pflueger, Bellingham Public Schools Grant Writer

Scott Schroyer, Sehome High School English Teacher

Jeff Staskiews, Retired Dentist