The Charlie M. and Mary Duchesne Memorial Scholarship was established in 2001 by their daughters, Murlene Duchesne Dobson and Evelyn Duchesne Sharp. The Duchesne family moved to Carthage in 1944, and Charlie was employed by United Gas Company. He was working in the gas plant when the first valve was turned on to start the operation of the new plant, and he retired in 1976 from United Gas Company when the last valve was turned off and the plant closed.

The Duchesnes had watched Panola College being built in the 1940s and supported Murlene’s and Evelyn’s desire to continue their education after graduation from Carthage High School in the early 1950s. Charlie and Mary knew that Panola College would provide an affordable education for their daughters. Charlie and Mary also enrolled in continuing education courses at the College in the 1970s. They were very pleased when Evelyn became a member of the Board of Trustees at Panola College in 1991.

Charlie and Mary were devoted members of the Carthage Church of Christ. They were volunteers at the “Old Jail” and Mary spent many hours researching the family genealogy.

The Charlie M. and Mary Duchesne Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving sophomore student. The selection and announcement naming the recipient will be made in the spring each year.