Woburn, Massachusetts, June 16, 2025 – Northern Bank is pleased to announce Devon K. Fee as the recipient of the 2025 James E. McGarry, Jr. college scholarship.
This $5,000 scholarship honors the late "Jim" McGarry of Woburn for his 50 years of dedicated service to Northern Bank and his lifelong support for local fire and police departments. The college scholarship is awarded annually to a student with a parent or guardian who is an active firefighter or police officer in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
In her essay, Devon reflected on the values her firefighter father has instilled in her, sharing, "…the most lasting thing he's given me is the quiet conviction that kindness isn't a strategy, but a way of life." She emphasized that "true fulfillment comes from practicing kindness and serving others," demonstrating how her father's dedication to service has shaped her own commitment to helping others.
Devon has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovative thinking throughout her high school career. Recognizing gaps in her school's social structures, she conducted research and interviews to identify opportunities for greater inclusion. Through this research Devon spearheaded the development of an integrated theater course for general and special education students at Woburn Memorial High School—a program that was added to the school's 2025 course catalog. Her academic excellence is evidenced by numerous honors, including the prestigious Boston College Book Award and AP Scholar Award, received by only 5% of AP students nationwide. This fall, Devon will attend Marist University to study Communications, where she has been awarded a Presidential Scholar Award and invited to join the Honors College.
"Devon's initiative to create inclusive opportunities for all students, combined with her outstanding academic achievements and commitment to service, exemplifies the values this scholarship represents," said Michelle Arnold, a member of the Northern Bank Charitable Foundation Committee. "Her ability to identify challenges and create meaningful solutions shows the kind of transformative thinking we're excited to support. We're honored to be part of Devon's journey as she continues to make a positive impact, and we look forward to supporting another exceptional candidate who shares this commitment to service and innovation next year."
The Northern Bank Charitable Foundation has annually administered the James E. McGarry, Jr. Scholarship Fund since it was established in 2014. It will begin accepting applicants for next year in January.
