Barnes accepted to West Point
With dozens of well-wishers on hand to congratulate him, Joseph Barnes had his “signing day” Friday confirming that he has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
“Whether you think that you did or not, you all have made a big impact on my life,” Barnes told the crowd gathered in the Demopolis High School library as he sported a tie in West Point colors. “That’s something I can never really repay.”
While his father, the Rev. J.D. Barnes, read the acceptance letter from Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams, commandant of West Point, the younger Barnes stood to one side contemplating the four years he will study at the academy, beginning June 29, and the six years of active duty in the U.S. Army required after his graduation.
“The Army was the right place to be,” Barnes said. He had received letters of assurance from all three of the major military schools, but at the end chose West Point.
Getting an appointment to one of the academies had been his goal since his freshman year, he said. Both Sen. Doug Jones and Rep. Terri Sewell nominated him for West Point.
“I’ve never met a more driven kid,” said Clint Humphrey, Barnes’ soccer coach.
His words were echoed by other educators and administrators.
Demopolis City Schools Supt. Kyle Kallhoff, who met Barnes when he was in the eighth grade, said, “Whatever he set his mind to, he was going to accomplish.
DHS principal Blaine Hathcock also had Barnes as a student in middle school. “When you see people who are driven, who are purpose-focused, they are unique.”
He continued, “The military academies are supposed to get the best of the best, and they certainly did in Joseph.”
The Rev. Barnes understandably is proud of his son. “He’s worked very hard to get to this place.”
His mother, Amanda Barnes, wasn’t so sure. “When he told me in the ninth grade, I really didn’t think it would happen,” she said. “The high school set him up to be able to do this,” with ACT tutoring and strong AP classes.
Outside of academics, Barnes also is an Eagle Scout, attended Boys State and is the Section Chief for Alabama and Georgia for the Boy Scout Order of the Arrow, among other accomplishments.
Barnes comes from a long line of those who served in the military. His grandparents, Carole and David Carroll, were on hand for the ceremony, and Barnes said he first got interested in the military while watching the Army-Navy games with Carroll.
At the end of Gen. Williams’ letter to Barnes, he wrote, “Go, Army.” Barnes ended his talk to his supporters with, “Beat Navy.”