For homeless children, being able to continue their education can make all the difference

This very important information about homeless families in our City was a part of another article in the local newspaper:

• Peoria High School, Thomas Jefferson, Roosevelt and Whittier Schools had the highest number of homeless students, ranging from 49 at Peoria High to 27 at Whittier.
• Based on number of District 150 students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, the number of homeless students should be between 600 and 800.
• The District has found that families are reluctant to divulge their circumstances to school officials. Others may not realize that doubling-up with relatives or friends also qualifies them for the homeless assistance services school districts are legally required to provide.
• The assistance includes providing uniforms, school supplies and transportation to allow students to remain in their home schools.

Homeless Teenager Is Intel Competition Semifinalist

Samantha Garvey and her father at Brentwood High School -
Brentwood, NY - Jan 12, 2012 

The 17-year-old senior says she cannot believe that she is one of the semifinalists in the highly prestigious Intel Science Competition, in part because she lives in a Bay Shore homeless shelter with her parents, brother, and twin sisters.

“I am currently homeless. Like I’ve said, this motivates me to do better. I do well and I pursue my passion because it’s what I have and it’s a way out, you know, and it’ll lead to better things.” 

She said she was blown away and started crying when she learned about her place in the competition.

Garvey is one of 61 Long Island students who have a chance at the competition’s top prize of $100,000. “I did a marsh study where I looked at mussels in a marsh and I saw that when they were exposed to crabs, they grew heavier shells,” she said. After that, she introduced the situation to a lab setting. 

Her guidance counselor Karin Feil said Garvey takes advantage of anything offered to her. She also studies Italian and plays the violin. Plus, she has 3.9 grade point average. Samantha said she dreams of becoming a marine biologist after attending Brown or Yale.