Good news!

Winning $100,000 would change anyone’s life, but it would be especially meaningful to one bright New York teen. Despite the fact that she and her family are homeless and currently living in a shelter, 17-year-old Samantha Garvey has a 3.9 grade point average and was recently named a semifinalist in a national science competition for her marine biology research. If she wins the $100,000 prize, Garvey hopes she can help get her family their own place to call home. Garvey, who ranks fourth in her class and also studies Italian and plays the violin, says she’s always worked hard in school because she wants to create a better life for herself. She hopes her story inspires other young people in her situation. [Update: In even more good news, Suffolk County has found Garvey and her family rent-subsidized housing.]