Achimota’s Nightmare ‘Rastafarian’ Tyrone Marhguy Gets full scholarship at Penn Univ

In 2021, but fpr the court’s intervention and decision, Tyrone Iras Marhguy would have been denied admission to Achimota Senior High School (“School”), when he was required to choose between keeping his dreadlocks for religious purposes or cutting them as a precondition to enroll in the school.

After that admission controversy in 2021 and Tyrone Marhguy’s subsequent admission based on a favourable court ruling, he went ahead and excelled in the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2023 with grade A in all eight subjects.

He was even a member of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) team for Achimota School.

Tyrone Iras Marhguy, has gone ahead to the USA for further studies and has been awarded a full scholarship to pursue Computer Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn).

“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, all totalling $1.4 million over the next four years! 🎉🎉”  this is how he broke the news on X on Wednesday afternoon.

Reflecting on his journey, Marhguy recalled the challenges and victories of the past three years, beginning at Achimota School, where he faced a significant decision about his Rastafarian dreadlocks, a key symbol of his faith.

“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 apprearances, I developed my voice, advocating for equality and tolerance”, he stated.

Background

Marhguy has received two awards from the American Mathematics Olympiad 2023, earning recognition as the overall national top scorer and a Gold medalist after competing against over 150,000 students worldwide.

He was awarded the Silver medal in the Vanda Science International Olympiad, where he competed among 38,000 participants, and has been officially inducted into the International Junior Honour Society, 2023.

Tyrone also scored an impressive 1500 out 1600 on the SAT, placing him in the 99th percentile globally.

He achieved a score of 730 out of 800 in Evidence-Based reading and writing, and 770 out of 800 in math.

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, all totaling $1.4 million over the next four years! 🎉🎉

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.

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, CEO of @AikinsConsult , 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. 
@fmquayson_1  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 @Ohenetheshark  , your mentorship and support were invaluable.

I also want to acknowledge the broader community of supporters from Child Rights International, Mr. Bright Appiah, and my tireless lawyers, Esq. James Gawuga Nkrumah, BL, LLB, BA and Esq. Francis Ontonyin, Dr. Kwadwo Gyarteng-Darkwa to every individual and organization that stood by me. Your support, whether through media advocacy, legal counsel, or moral encouragement, has been the wind beneath my wings.

As I embark on this new chapter at 
@Penn
, I carry with me the lessons of resilience, advocacy, and gratitude. This is just the beginning of a journey where I hope to continue making a difference, not only through my studies in engineering but also by keeping my beloved Ghana close to my heart.