Samantha Garvey, Homeless Long Island High School Science Wiz, Attends State Of The Union (PHOTOS)

Samantha Garvey-- the Long Island high school student nominated as a semi-finalist for the prestigious Intel science award while she and her family were homeless--attended the State Of The Union Tuesday night at the invitation of Representative Steve Israel (who's also offered Garvey an internship). She met Nancy Pelosi, President Obama's Science Advisor, Dr. John Holdren, and was given a tour of the capital (see photos below).

Garvey's story has captivated the country and Wednesday morning, she appeared on the "Today" show to talk about her experience at the SOTU:

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Previously, she was a guest on Ellen, where she was given a $50,000 scholarship, among other prizes:

During all the media attention, the Suffolk County Department of Social Services was able to find a new home for Samantha and her family.

And with so much good news, it hardly matters that when the Intel award finalists were announced Wednesday, Samantha wasn't one of them.

Comments

[lauratxga]

02:02 PM on 01/30/2012

What is happening to her and her family is wonderful but this is just one person from a mountain of thousands and until we can help more than just one the publicity should remain on those still out there in the cold, looking for jobs, and struggling to make enough money to eat each day.

[ennui the third]

02:04 PM on 01/27/2012

This avalanche of publicity would not be coming her way if this ex-homeless genius was unattractive.

[ZC1968]

12:25 PM on 01/26/2012

There are plenty of Homeless people. But they are going to make a Hero out of her yet.

[redsongia]

02:58 PM on 01/26/2012

They should make a hero out of her and her community, as it seems many people rallied around to help this family in their time of need.

[ZC1968]

03:50 PM on 01/26/2012

She is not a hero, she just happen to be homeless. She probably is not homeless now. Hopefully other homeless people can get this same treatment, but I doubt it.

[Ex-Fed]

10:14 AM on 01/26/2012

Enough with the semantics. Good for her, I wish her and her family well.

[june53]

12:02 AM on 01/31/2012

Thanks, I was beginning to think only those without a heart could
post to this story. She is not famous nor a hero - she is a very
bright student who has managed to keep her focus on her
studies all-the-while her family was going through an awful
experience that no person in America should ever have to
live. Correction: no person, anywhere.

Give the girl her due. Her science scholastic achievements
have absolutely nothing to do with her appearance & all the
banter about 'every other homeless person' not getting this
attention is really off topic.

[WilmaJune]

09:44 AM on 01/26/2012

Social Services found a home for the family before the State of the Union Speech. Since she was not homeless when the speech was given, the Headline is wrong.

[Dede Eagleburger]

10:07 AM on 01/26/2012

Thank you, I was going to say the same thing. I saw the headline and all i could think was 'seriously, all the well-to-do families on Long Island and nobody could help her and her family find a place to stay'??

[ZC1968]

12:43 AM on 01/26/2012

I tell you what>>>> They are really trying hard to prop this gurl up high. You know how many homeless peolple we have in America, that are brilliant.

[redsongia]

02:57 PM on 01/26/2012

Quite alot. There are also many talented kids whose parents are working several jobs and they may be only a few months away from being homeless if anything happens to them, even a slight injury. Still, I think it's good to put a face on all these kids by focusing on and following one kids story. Maybe certain sections of the public won't be so quick to call out for abolishing all head start programs, student lunches, food stamps and EIC credits, especially when cutting these programs does very little to reduce deficits, even in the short run.

[Clarity22]

11:43 PM on 01/25/2012

This is such a touching story. I'm so glad things have and continue to work out for her and her family. She's a bright young lady!

[113]

10:38 PM on 01/25/2012

Pretty dope.

[vobox3343]

05:01 PM on 01/25/2012

Wow, those "you must be lazy and it's your own fault"claims made by Republicans in leadership positions are very telling. They haven't a clue. And vote for them at your own peril.

[brooklyncitizen]

04:20 PM on 01/25/2012

What a great kid.Good for her.

[penndl]

04:06 PM on 01/25/2012

Homelessness has become some kind of normal in the US. Its painful to see capable, healthy, would be productive families without their own place to call home. The very next politician who tries to use homelessness as a campaign strategy should be hanged by the heels.

[nycbunny]

02:49 PM on 01/25/2012

Such a great story! Someone saved her dog at the pound too. It renews my faith in human kindness. :)