by Carol Hodes for SBOANJ

East Rutherford, NJ — July 29, 2011 — Michael E. Desjardins of East Brunswick, NJ and Emily Grace Murphy of Lambertville, NJ, the 2011 Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey scholarship winners, were honored in winner’s circle ceremonies after the sixth race on Friday, July 29, 2011 at the Meadowlands.

Lisa photo

The SBOANJ presented scholarship awards on Friday, July 31, 2011 in winner’s circle ceremonies at the Meadowlands. Left to right are Dr. Chris Samaha, SBOANJ Director Dennis Lane, the scholarship recipients Michael Desjardins and Emily Murphy, and SBOANJ Director Ed Razzetti.

Desjardins received the top prize of $5,000 while Murphy received $2,500.

Plaques were also presented by Dr. Chris Samaha of the Backstretch Community Assistance Program [BCAP] and SBOANJ directors Dennis Lane and Ed Razzetti.

Desjardins is a junior attending Quinnipiac University, pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism. The East Brunswick High School graduate is on the Quinnipiac Dean’s List. He is the son of longtime trainer-driver Michael and Donna Desjardins.

Murphy, a graduate of South Hunterdon Regional High School, will be attending Canisius College in Buffalo, NY in the fall where she plans to major in animal behavior, ecology and conservation.

Her mother, Patti Murphy, is the farm manager for the New Jersey division of Hanover Shoe Farms and her father, Joe, oversees the stallions.