by Carol Hodes, for the SBOA of New Jersey

Manalapan, NJ — Michael E. Desjardins and Kelly Finnigan were named the winners of the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey’s 2008-2009 scholarships.

Each will receive $4,000 toward their studies. The SBOANJ offers the scholarship in partnership with the Backstretch Advisory Program. The scholarships are open to the sons and daughters of New Jersey horsemen.

Desjardins, the son of Michael and Donna Desjardins of East Brunswick, N.J., will be majoring in communications and broadcast journalism at Quinnipiac College in Hamden, Conn.

Finnigan, the daughter of Gary and Mary Finnigan of Wall, N.J., will be attending Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, N.J. She plans to transfer to a four-year college and major in molecular biology.