Wakeboarding Takes Bartow Student To New Heights

ADAIRSVILLE, GA -- A Bartow County Schools student is not only making waves in the classroom, but he's also making a name for himself in the sport of wakeboarding. Johnathan Wilkes, a dual-enrolled senior at Adairsville High School and Bartow County College and Career Academy, is placing among top United States professionals in the water sport.

Johnathan's interest in wakeboarding is relatively recent, as he took up the sport four years ago while hitting the waters at Allatoona Lake "for fun." Honing his skills at Terminus Wake Park in Emerson, Johnathon quickly soared to new heights, earning title after title at competitions in August and September, the school system said.

At the WWA Wakeboard National Championships, Johnathon won the top spot in the Junior Pro Men Division. He was one point away from taking it all in the Georgia Wake Series and following that stint, he now ranks 31st among all professional riders. When he is not competing, Johnathan spends time with area veterans as part of the Wake for Warriors Project (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

“It’s one of the most rewarding activities I’ve ever taken part of," the student said. "Teaching veterans how to wakeboard is gratifying because the sport takes their minds off what they’ve been through, and maybe helps some (battling) post traumatic stress disorder.”

Bartow County College and Career Academy Principal Paul Sabin notes Johnathan is "just as driven inside the classroom" as he is with wakeboarding and exposing others to the sport.

"He is confidently seeking a career in dentistry, and will no doubt prove successful in his future endeavors," Sabin added. "He’s a polite young man with natural leadership qualities. He exemplifies what we stand for at the Academy.”

Johnathon credits his teachers with setting him up for success, as these educators have taught him about the rewards that can stem from taking risks.

"Without taking risks, you will never see how far or how high you can go,” he said.

Images courtesy Tia Wilkes