Tyrone Iras Marhguy Gets Scholarship To Study At University of Pennsylvania
Tyrone Iras Marhguy, a Ghanaian student known for his landmark legal battle over the right to wear Rastafarian dreadlocks at Achimota School, has announced he has received a full scholarship to study Computer Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn).
Marhguy’s journey, marked by his fight for individual rights, culminates in this achievement, following multiple offers totaling $1.4 million from prestigious institutions like Duke, Williams, and Franklin & Marshall.
Marhguy announced his achievement on social media on Wednesday, August 28, revealing that he had received offers from four universities abroad, totaling $1.4 million in scholarships for his education over the next four years.
“I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been awarded a full scholarship to pursue Computer Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. 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.
Tyrone Marhguy and Oheneba Nkrabea, both Rastafarian students, were initially denied admission to Achimota School due to their dreadlocks, which the school argued violated its dress code. The two students subsequently filed a lawsuit against Achimota School, and on May 31, 2021, a court ruled in their favor, ordering the school to admit them without cutting their dreadlocks.
In 2023, Marhguy achieved straight A’s in his final WASSCE exams and went on to take the SATs. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed gratitude to his parents for their relentless support in ensuring he was admitted to Achimota School. He also thanked everyone who supported him throughout his college application process, including those who coached and mentored him for the SAT.
“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.
“A heartfelt thank you goes to Mr. Ekow Aikins Jnr of Aikins Educational Consult, who not only prepared me for the SAT but coached me through the college application and also opened his home to me, ensuring I had the best environment to succeed. To Mr. Ferdinand Quayson (YAF Ghana), you spent endless nights working with me on all aspects of my college application, making sure that I was able to effectively convey my story. And to Mr. Abel Ohene Acquaye, your mentorship and support were invaluable,” he added.
