By Gray Chapman
On July 22, television personality and furniture designer Ty Pennington came to SCAD-Atlanta to speak about his experiences struggling with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) throughout his childhood and adult life. Pennington, who is known for hosting ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” recently partnered with Shire Limited to promote awareness of ADHD in adults and help launch Shire’s new ADHD medication, Vyvanse. Shire has sponsored a $10,000 scholarship for a student at SCAD-Atlanta who is pursuing a career in a creative field and has been diagnosed with ADHD.
Pennington announced at the press conference that he plans to match the scholarship, bringing the total amount to $20,000. “I don’t think many people realize how difficult it is, struggling with ADHD,” said Pennington as he spoke about the frustrations he and his family endured throughout his childhood. Pennington described the myriad of different treatments he had tried unsuccessfully, from reward systems for good behavior to sedatives, and the negative effects they had on his self-confidence. He said that the turning point in his life was when he sought pharmaceutical treatment for his disorder. “Once you get over that fear of having a disorder, then it really is a huge step forward.”
Pennington, who studied graphic design at the Art Institute of Atlanta while also taking classes in painting and sculpture at the Atlanta College of Art, described creativity as a helpful outlet for his disorder. “The one thing I could focus on would be an art project,” he said. “My mom could actually sit me down at the kitchen table with some crayons and some paper and I would be focused for about an hour.” Pennington’s work in the creative field has extended to carpentry on TLC’s “Trading Spaces,” furniture design with Howard Miller and a published do-it-yourself guide on home improvement.”
Pennington said he felt that SCAD is a place that nurtures creativity as an outlet and a place where
students can grow. “I know there are so many people who are going to school, spending their time, money, and effort to hopefully get a career in a field that brings a little joy and creativity and happiness. I know there’s someone out there who’s struggling the same way I did with ADHD and any way I could help that person would be great,” said Pennington.
SCAD-Atlanta Vice President P.J. Johnson was present to accept the donation and spoke about the opportunity the scholarship would bring. “Here at SCAD-Atlanta we have many values, but the top value that we have is being a student-centered institution. And what better way to celebrate student-centeredness than having this kind of opportunity for a very deserving student?” said Vice President Johnson. He said that he hoped this scholarship would raise awareness of ADHD among students and that the recipient would be able to inspire hope in other students who have the disorder.