Local St. Joseph boy is keeping it “fresh” while overcoming obstacles

By Leah Rainwater

Almost 13-year-old Artist Wilkinson has already led an interesting life.

From dealing with a complete hearing loss in his left ear to finding out about his mom and grandmother having cancer more than one time, he still perseveres. 

When is mom and grandma were diagnosed, Wilkinson mentioned feeling worried.

“(I felt) Sad and worried about them,” said Wilkinson. “I wanted to know who was going to be able to take care of who and if my parents were going to take care of me still or if I was going to step up and take care of them.”

One big way Wilkinson is able to really showcase his feelings…is through sports like basketball and cross country. 

Wilkinson attributes his dad to his love of basketball. 

“He played basketball too and then I just wanted…I was being a little copy cat and wanted to do what he wanted to do,” said Wilkinson.

Wilkinson plays point guard, shooting guard or small forward. 

One big role model Wilkinson said he has in his life, is Will Smith.

“Will Smith, he’s a comedian,” said Wilkinson. “And sometimes I try to have a comedian moment.”

Wilkinson said he really loves the show, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”…that’s why the theme of his birthday party this weekend is “The Fresh Prince” of St. Joe. 

Wilkinson said he remembers when he first got interested in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”.

“My grandma…I remember like, just walking in and she was watching it,” said Wilkinson. “So I just sat down watching it next to her and I had asked her for the name of the series and what it was called and I just couldn’t stop watching it.”

Wilkinson said he’s excited to have friends from school, basketball teams and his family along-side him, at what will hopefully be the “freshest” birthday party ever.