Tyrone Iras Marh, a Ghanaian student who was once nearly denied admission to high school due to his dreadlocks, has announced he has been awarded a full scholarship to study Computer Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.
According to a JOY NEWS report, Marh first gained attention when Achimota High School rejected his application, citing his Rastafarian hairstyle as a violation of the school’s policy.
Despite the setback, public criticism and social media pressure eventually led the school to reverse its decision, allowing him to enroll.
In 2023, Marh excelled in the West Africa Senior Secondary School Examination (WASSCE), earning straight A’s. While a science student at Achimota, he was selected for the prestigious National Science and Mathematics Quiz team but was later removed for unknown reasons before the competition.
Now preparing to attend the University of Pennsylvania, Marh has expressed his excitement on social media in on X, announcing his scholarship which will total $1.4 million over the next four years.
“I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been awarded a full scholarship to pursue Computer Engineering at @Penn! Joining the class of 2028 as a proud Quaker, this incredible opportunity comes after carefully considering breathtaking offers from #UPenn, #Duke, #Williams, and #F&M, all totaling $1.4 million over the next four years!” he wrote.
I'm thrilled to announce that I've been awarded a full scholarship to pursue Computer Engineering at the @Penn! Joining the class of 2028 as a proud Quaker, this incredible opportunity comes after carefully considering breathtaking offers from #UPenn, #Duke,#Williams, and #F&M,… pic.twitter.com/tWPjQAOEQI
— Tyrone Iras Marhguy (@marhguy_tyrone) August 28, 2024
”As I reflect on this journey, I’m reminded of the challenges and triumphs that marked the past three years, starting right from @AchimotaSchool. My story, which I like to call “The Tales from Achimota School,” began with a significant hurdle: a tough decision between keeping my Rastafarian dreadlocks, a symbol of my faith, and attending high school. With my father and an entire country’s support, we challenged the school’s rules, fighting for my right to education and freedom to express my identity.”
”My fight for the right to wear my Rastafarian dreadlocks to school sparked a national and global debate on individual rights and education. Through national and global media appearances, I developed my voice, advocating for equality and tolerance. After a two-month court battle, I won! Paving the way for inclusive education and inspiring others to stand against discrimination”, he added.
He was also full of thanks for his family who held his hand throughout the difficult circumstances he faced before and during high school.
”I owe immense gratitude to my family, especially my father, Mr. Tereo Marhguy, for his relentless support and sacrifice. To my mother, Mrs. Dorcas Fremarhguy, and my amazing sisters, Amrita Marhguy and Nikita Marhguy, thank you for being my rock and my inspiration”, he said.
Marh’s journey has now inspired many young students in Ghana seeking to stay true to their own identity regardless of the noise, and he is expected to continue breaking barriers as he embarks on his new academic journey in the US.
