Melrose High Grad Wins Northern Bank James McGarry Scholarship

MELROSE, MA — Melrose High School Class of 2022 graduate Brigid McCarron was recently recognized as this year’s winner of Northern Bank’s annual James E. McGarry, Jr. college scholarship.

Worth $5,000, the scholarship honors “Jim” McGarry of Woburn, who passed away in 2013. McGarry spent 50 years working with Northern Bank.

McGarry also served in Woburn’s Auxiliary Fire Department. He was remembered in his obituary as “a familiar figure around town, with his friendly smile and ever-present pipe.”

The scholarship in McGarry’s honor aims to recognize his respect and appreciation for local fire and police departments, annually going to applicants who have a parent or guardian who is an active firefighter or police officer in Middlesex County.

McCarron’s father, John, is a Melrose firefighter. McCarron’s application, in turn, emerged from a field of more than 40 other applications to secure this year’s scholarship.

"I am fortunate for the experiences provided by the organizations I volunteer for,” McCarron said in a press release. “I have received vastly more than I have given through my community service.”

“Being the recipient of an award whose purpose is to acknowledge the work and sacrifices of the first responders – many of which I have seen firsthand through my father – is an immense privilege,” McCarron continued. “Mr. McGarry's work for his community is inspiring and something I will continue to try to emulate in my work."

McCarron is set to study computer science at Dartmouth College beginning this fall.

Applications for next year’s scholarship will open in the spring.