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Homeless science whizz knocked out of comp gets $50,000 scholarship, a house, and meets Obama

Next stop policy making for inspiring Irish American high-schooler

By
BERNIE MALONE,
IrishCentral Staff Writer
Published Friday, January 27, 2012, 8:41 AM
Updated Friday, January 27, 2012, 10:44 AM

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Samantha Garvey listen to speeches in Washington
Samantha Garvey listen to speeches in Washington
Photo by Charlie Archambault


Homeless Long Island high school student Samantha Garvey attracted nationwide attention when she reached the semi-finals of the Intel Science contest. This Wednesday she learned that she did not make the list of 40 finalists.


This extraordinary 17-year-old has, however, been given a new home, a $50,000 scholarship, and was invited to be a guest for President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address. Of course this inspirational teen still feels like a winner.

Once Samantha and her family’s situation was made public on 12th January, the community of Suffolk County rallied around the family and the media flocked towards Samantha’s amazing story.

Within a few days, the Suffolk County authorities offered the Garvey family a home to rent. They had been evicted from their home on New Year’s Day this year. This was the second time in Samantha’s life that she had lived in a homeless shelter and now she’s made it possible for her family to have a home.

Samantha had TV interviews with ABC, CNN, and various other networks. She also made an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres” show where she shared her story. While on the show, she was presented with a $50,000 college scholarship.

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 Now Samantha has had the opportunity to attend President Obama’s State of the Union address. Speaking to NBC’s “Today Show” she admitted that from being in the presence of so many “historical figures” in Washington, her head’s been turned.

She said, “I want to do what they do." Garvey said her trip to Washington made her want to combine her studies with science and  policy.

The 17-year-old said she sees her passion and talent for scientific research as her “ticket out” of a challenging situation.

She continued, “Throughout all the things I've faced, I've been able to go to school and get my education, and then pursue my research and do my studies…That's been my way out. That's enabled me to keep focused and keep me from going off track."

Here’s Al Jazeera’s report on Samantha’s story:


Here’s the Newsday video on Samantha Garvey from 12th January:

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5 Comments

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LinLinisme | Jan 27, 2012, 08:42 PM EST
I am so happy for you and your family. A dream come true..
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PatriciaMarya | Jan 27, 2012, 08:25 PM EST
I love her comment about using her studies and research to keep her focused. She is a delightful looking young gal and seems to be incredibly self-disciplined. I wish her the best of futures, particularly if she goes into Public Policy determination...we need more like her - with a brain for science!
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Murph46 | Jan 27, 2012, 10:51 AM EST
Another political ploy,like Buffets's secretary.
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TheOldPerfessor | Jan 27, 2012, 10:32 AM EST
She makes me proud to be a Long Islander!
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LoyalCitizen | Jan 27, 2012, 10:14 AM EST
Good for her.............I hope she does well for herself.
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