Madison Student of the Month is licensed pilot

Anna Blessinger earns award from Heartland Energy and KJAM Radio

In planning for her future, Madison High School senior Anna Blessinger has set her sights high—literally.

Last fall, Blessinger completed her training with Riggin Flight Service in Madison and earned her Private Pilot license. She can fly any single engine plane solo—quite a feat for a teenager.

Blessinger hopes to one day achieve higher levels of licensing. After high school she plans to attend either Kansas State University or Georgia Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in aeronautical engineering. She also plans to enroll in U.S. Air Force ROTC.

Blessinger has been named Student of the Month by Heartland Energy and KJAM Radio. She’s recognized as a natural leader and well-rounded student with a thirst for knowledge.

“Anna is passionate about many things and loves to learn,” said MHS Principal Adam Shaw. “She works hard every day and leads by example.”

According to Shaw, Blessinger shines as a Student Ambassador and president of the National Honor Society. She’s also active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Embrace youth group and the high school newspaper, and was crowned Homecoming Queen in 2023.

Beyond aviation, Blessinger is passionate about history and the fine arts. She was instrumental in organizing the school’s National History Club and volunteers at the Lake County Museum. She’s active in marching, concert and jazz band and dances in pointe and jazz groups.

As a student athlete, she runs distance events in track and field.

Blessinger is the daughter of Christina and Justin Blessinger.

The “Student of the Month” is awarded through a partnership of Heartland Energy and KJAM Radio in Madison and recognizes exceptional students in one of five area school districts. Heartland Energy provides wholesale power to the cities of Arlington, Colman, Howard, Madison and Volga, all of which are in the KJAM listening area. Officials from each participating school nominate students for the award.

Each month of the school year, Heartland Energy presents an outstanding student from one of these schools with a recognition certificate and small token, and advertisements announcing the winning student air on KJAM Radio.