GULF SHORES, Ala.  — It is a remarkable accomplishment for any student to graduate as valedictorian of his class and gain acceptance into one of the nation’s most prestigious universities.

But it’s even more striking when that student is able to achieve such great academic success while battling a debilitating disease that impacts every aspect of daily life.

That’s exactly what Thomas “Tommy” Barnes has done, and he shows no signs of slowing down.

Two years ago, the 19-year-old was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a debilitating, chronic gastrointestinal illness in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells in the GI tract.

Barnes’ condition was so severe that he was often forced to miss classes, stop hanging out with friends and unable to just be a teenager. For months, he suffered constant pain and fatigue and at one point took nearly 20 pills a day to manage his symptoms.

“My life was rocky and unpleasant, filled with doctors, make up work and pain,” Barnes said. “There were times when I really lost my optimism, but one day I just decided I was sick of being sick. There were too many things I wanted to do with my life.”

 Instead of letting disease get him down, Barnes bounced back with a determination to overcome the illness and achieve his goals.

With his Crohn’s disease under control following surgeries and treatment, he returned to school and the activities he loved. He was vice president of the Student Government Association and president of the Young Democrats.

He organized two trips to Mobile to feed the homeless and assembled care packages for soldiers overseas.

In addition to being recognized by the National Merit Program as a commended student, Barnes’ senior class voted him to receive the Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award.

The accomplishment that makes him most proud, however, is his acceptance to his “dream school” — Georgetown University. He enrolled this fall as a freshman and plans to study politics or international relations.

Barnes said his goal is to work in the political arena, striving to make a difference for future generations.

In recognition of his past achievements and future promise, UCB has awarded Barnes a $10,000 scholarship from the Crohn’s Scholarship Program: Reaching Beyond Boundaries.

As one of his high school professors stated, “Tommy has chosen the path of service because of his belief that a true leader is a servant first and because he genuinely believes he can make a difference in the world.”

With this kind of heart and commitment, he surely will.