Samantha Garvey presented her science project at the White House Science Fair.

In January 2012, New York high school student Samantha Garvey was named a semi-finalist in the Intel Science Talent Search for her work in marine biology. Out of almost 2,000 entries, she was 1 of 300 students to make the semi-finals in the competition. However, on the day that Samantha’s science teacher found out the good news, Samantha wasn’t in school. She was at a homeless shelter with her family. Just days earlier, Samantha, her parents, and her younger brother and sister had been evicted, or forced out, of their home. Her father had lost his job and her mother had been injured in a car accident. Her parents fell behind on their rent payments and were told they had to leave their home. Despite these challenges, Samantha remained at the top of her class in high school.

Samantha’s story appeared in the news and drew lots of attention. New York Congressman Steve Israel heard about it and wanted to honor Samantha’s hard work and determination. He invited her to join him at President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address. On January 24, Samantha was in the chamber of the House of Representatives watching the President speak to the nation.

Just four days after the State of the Union address, the Suffolk County Department of Social Services found a home for Samantha and her family. They were on a waiting list and a house became available. Samantha’s parents had also found new jobs and were able to afford the rent again.

Before Samantha was able to settle into her new home, however, she was invited back to Washington, D.C. On February 7, she took part in the White House Science Fair. She was able to show President Obama the work she had done in marine biology and discuss her project with him personally. Samantha said that her work in science and the support of her family and teachers helped her get through the difficult times.

Image credit: ©REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Related Link

• Samantha Garvey on the Today Show
  Watch a television interview with Samantha.