Because we need to be reminded of good things and good people, here's another heartwarming feature on the inspiring Columbia University janitor who has spent the last 20 years learning English and working his way to get a B.A. in classics. Gac Filipaj, who fled war-torn Yugoslavia in 1992, will graduate from Columbia's School of General Studies this Sunday. While he is very proud, Filipaj also says he wished he had told his father (who died three weeks ago) that he had been studying "because he thought that I'm not that smart." Plus, he still sends most of his income back home to Yugoslavia. Uh, is it a little dusty in here? more ›

The Long Island teen whose story of academic excellence while her family fell into homelessness was back in the news yesterday—Suffolk County officials presented Samantha Garvey, her parents and two siblings with keys to a new house! The home, which is being rented to low-income families by Suffolk County, has three bedrooms and was offered to the Garveys after Samantha's story was featured on the front page of Newsday. The Brentwood High School senior said, "I was homeless, and I didn't have a house, and because of the kindness of all these strangers, I do—I have a house! I couldn't have gotten here without education—you make the best of it because it's the end to so many things." more ›

Awww: Samantha Garvey, the Long Island teen whose story of academic success amid family difficulty inspired many, may be headed to Washington D.C. for the State of the Union Address. Rep. Steve Israel invited Garvey to be his guest; he told Newsday, "The State of the Union attracts the most powerful people on Earth, but I really think Samantha can teach them all a lesson in perseverance." more ›

After Newsday featured a homeless 17-year-old girl—who happened to be named one of the country's 300 Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalists—on its front page yesterday, her perseverance prompted an immediate reaction. Suffolk County officials announced that they had found a three-bedroom home for Samantha Garvey and her family while an anonymous donor stepped up to save the Garvey's dog from being euthanized at a pound. She said, "It is absolutely amazing and incredible." more ›

Newsday has the most aww- and awe-worthy story of the day: A feature on Brentwood High School senior Samantha Garvey who is one of 300 semi-finalists for the annual Intel Science Talent Search. Only Garvey happens to be living in a homeless shelter. She told the paper, "I want better, so that's why I do well in school." more ›

Here's your heartwarming tale for today: The NY Times' article about its twelve NY Times Scholars for 2008. One, a 20-year-old who immigrated from China with her parents in 2007 (but her parents returned, because it was too tough), makes $560/month and pays $550 in rent, leaving $10/month, "which she spends carefully on large bags of rice, chicken leg quarters at 49 cents a pound, and whatever vegetables are cheapest." Thanks to "two free meals a day at school, a student MetroCard and the unexpected kind act— her English teacher, for instance, gave her $100," she manages—and has a 93 average at her high school. Another was inspired by his mother, who never completed middle school and has two cleaning jobs; he's first in his class and was accepted to U.Penn. The scholars "will receive $30,000 in aid for college, a laptop computer and a summer job at The Times, as well as access to a network of counselors and alumni who can provide advice and support in the years ahead." More information about the NY Times College Scholarship program here. more ›

For a little inspiration, look no further than the Staten Island Advance's feature on 94-year-old Margaret Ricciardi. Ricciardi, who used to run the Ricciardi Shoe Service at the St. George Ferry Terminal with her late husband, has been taking one or two art classes every semester at the College of Staten Island since 1981 (she finished her B.S. in art at age 72). Oh, and, "She doesn't have time for much more, what with her frequent trips into Manhattan -- by way of Access-a-Ride -- to the theater, the opera, the museums." Ricciardi even took part in CSI's study-abroad program when she was 84! She's taking oil painting and sculpture this term and explains her drive, "I get up in the morning, I have a few aches and pains, but I tell myself -- and don't print this -- 'Get your butt out of bed and move.'" more ›