President Cheers Formerly Homeless L.I. Science Whiz

The plaudits continue for a formerly homeless Long Island high school student. This one from the President of the United States.

Samantha Garvey joined about 100 students at a White House Science Fair on Tuesday. Garvey attracted national attention last month when she was named a semifinalist in the national Intel Science contest while living in a homeless shelter.

Her story prompted Long Island officials to locate a rent controlled home for her family. She also was invited to attend President Obama's State of the Union speech, and received a $50,000 scholarship on the "Ellen" television show.

Obama singled out the 18-year-old Brentwood High School senior during his remarks Tuesday. He pointed out the heads of various federal agencies, joking she might want to network with them for a job.