T.J. Drahuschak of Florence and Rebecca Meehan of East Windsor are the recipients of the 2017 Kelly’s Heroes scholarships.

The scholarships are awarded each spring to a graduating senior at Notre Dame High School in Lawrence Township, N.J., and Hightstown High School who plans to serve others through studies in nursing or another healthcare field.

T.J. plans to study nursing at William Paterson University, and his route to nursing school started with tragedy. T.J. was injured in a harrowing car accident while driving to school in October 2015. With multiple traumatic injuries, he underwent numerous operations, spent weeks in an induced coma and underwent months of rehabilitation. T.J. said the care and support he received from his nursing team inspired him to help others in the same career.

Rebecca plans to study psychology at the University of Delaware. In addition to her academic achievements at Hightstown, Rebecca was a key player on the school’s field hockey team.

The Kelly’s Heroes Scholarship was created in 2016 in appreciation to the two school communities for their support during Steve Kelly’s battle with pancreatic cancer. “It’s a fitting tribute to Steve, who always appreciated the compassion, skill and good humor of his care team,” said his wife, Kerry McKean Kelly.