Boardman Senior Receives Full Ride to YSU BaccMed Program
BOARDMAN, Ohio — Marrwa Kermagi, a 17-year-old senior at Boardman High School, was surprised this week with a scholarship package that would cover the total cost of four years in the BaccMed program at Youngstown State University.
Kermagi, who was recently accepted to the YSU-BaccMed program, was selected from a highly competitive applicant pool for the funding, which covers three to four years of pre-med undergraduate tuition and room and board.
“It was unexpected and I’m genuinely thankful for my parents, and the school and Boardman administration, and all the teachers who helped me,” Kermagi said.
Kermagi received the scholarship award letter during a surprise visit from YSU at Boardman High School on Monday. Her parents, Magda Elbiri and Mohamed Kermagi, and brother Yousef Kermagi, were on hand for the surprise.
“The YSU-BaccMed Honors Scholar Program seeks the best and brightest students to become the next generation of family physicians in Northeast Ohio,” said Johnny Ware, coordinator in the Honors College. “Marrwa was so enthusiastic in her application and we are excited to see what her future holds at YSU.”
“My mom is really my inspiration,” Kermagi said. “She was a pediatrician overseas before our family moved here.”
Marrwa Kermagi with brother, Yousef, and parents Mohamed Kermagi and Magda Elbiri. BHS biology teacher Heather Moran with Kermagi.
Kermagi is one of the youngest seniors at BHS, just turning 17 this weekend. She has a 4.0 GPA with a rigorous course load and is on track for first in class honors at Boardman.
Kermagi says she loves all sciences but biology is her favorite. She couldn’t wait to share the news with her mentor, biology teacher Heather Moran.
Pictured at top: On hand for the presentation were Boardman Local Schools Superintendent Tim Saxton, YSU Honors Enrichment Coordinator Johnny Ware, Marrwa Kermagi, BHS guidance counselor Dan Ewing and Principal Mark Zura.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
