Tyrone Iras Marh, a Ghanaian student who was nearly denied admittance to high school owing to his dreadlocks, has received a full scholarship to study Computer Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.
According to a JOY NEWS report, Marh originally drew notoriety when Achimota High School rejected his application, claiming his Rastafarian hairdo as a violation of their policy.
Despite the setback, public outcry and social media pressure eventually convinced the institution to reconsider its decision and allow him to enroll.
Marh performed admirably in the West Africa Senior Secondary School Examination (WASSCE) in 2023, scoring all A’s. While a science student at Achimota, he was chosen for the famous National Science and Mathematics Quiz team but was ultimately dismissed for unknown reasons prior to the event.
Marh, who will attend the University of Pennsylvania, recently announced a $1.4 million scholarship over four years on social media.
“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.