Tyrone Iras Marhguy, the Rastafarian student who initially faced admission denial to the Achimota School in 2021 for refusing to cut off his dreadlocks, has announced that he has been awarded scholarships worth $1.4 million from universities in the United States (US).

Tyrone, after winning his legal battle against Achimota, represented the school at the 2023 National Maths and Science Quiz programme and scored 8As in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

He also made news headlines in December 2023 after he was crowned the overall national top scorer in a US maths contest, the American Mathematics Olympiad, beating over 150,000 students from all parts of the world.

In a post shared on X on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, the former Achimota student disclosed that he has been awarded a full scholarship to study computer engineering at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn).

He indicated that he also received scholarship offers from Franklin & Marshall College, Williams College, and Duke University, which sum up to the $1.4 million.

“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,” he wrote.

Tyrone recalled his journey to the Achimota School, which he indicated has changed his life.

“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."

He expressed his gratitude to his parents and his family for their support, as well as to Ekow Aikins, CEO of Aikins Consult, who helped him take the SAT examination required for US admission and also coached him as he was applying for the schools.

View his post below:

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! 🎉🎉

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.

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