The Northern Bank Charitable Foundation awarded the 2019 James E. McGarry, Jr. scholarship to Kelsey Bozek. This scholarship, established in 2014, honors the late “Jim” McGarry of Woburn for his 50 years of service to Northern Bank. It also pays tribute to his lifelong affinity for the fire and police departments in his city. The $5,000.00 scholarship was open to graduating high school seniors with a parent or natural guardian who is an active firefighter or police officer in one of the communities directly served by the Bank.

Kelsey Bozek is the daughter of Tara and Robert Bozek, from Ayer, MA. Kelsey graduated from Ayer/Shirley HS and obtained her associates degree from Mt. Wachusett College in a dual enrollment program that she began her junior year of high school. She will be attending UMass Lowell in the fall as a pre-med major with the goal to attend UMass Medical in two years and become a pediatric oncologist. Kelsey demonstrated her commitment to the community with over 200 service hours including volunteering at special needs programs for children, McLean hospital and the Lawrence soup kitchen. Kelsey coached students with disabilities in both baseball and basketball, as well participating in recreational swimming, volleyball and track and field. Kelsey is on her way to becoming an EMT, furthering her compassion and drive to help others which she gets from her father, a firefighter in Acton.

Since our founding in 1960, Northern Bank has maintained the firm belief that a strong bank, invested in the towns we serve, financially strengthens local communities. In addition to the many hours our team members dedicate to organizations in our communities, Northern invests through the Northern Bank Charitable Foundation. Created in 2012, the Northern Bank Charitable Foundation provides financial support to non-profits and other community organizations that promote educational opportunities, youth, and social services or community development. In 2018, the Northern Bank Charitable Foundation surpassed the $1,000,000.00 giving mark since the inception of the foundation.