Joseph Barnes / Ashville High School

Parents:  Paul and Tammy Barnes.

GPA:  3.7

After graduation:  He’ll attend Jacksonville State University.  “I want to go into pharmacy, so I plan on getting my basics at Jax State and then try to get into pharmacy school, maybe at Auburn.”

At Ashville High:  He’s been a member of the Beta Club and played drums in the Bulldogs Marching Band.  Joining the Marching Southerners at college remains a consideration.  “I do want to, but I feel like I should concentrate on my school work more.  JSU is a tough drum line to get into.”

His favorite high school memory:  “The first time our drum line got a 1 (the best rating) at a band competition.  That was really special.”

What he’s looking forward to most about attending college:  “The experience of meeting new people, taking up new hobbies, and learning about things I haven’t been exposed to yet.”

The greatest challenge facing a senior:  “Balancing all the responsibilities of finishing high school with what has to be done getting ready for college.”

Addressing a misconception about young people:  “We’re not all the same.  We’re no all out there to party and goof off at everything.  Some of us are really trying to work hard.”