Argetsinger and Utke represent Polk-Burnett on Washington, D.C. Youth Tour
Elijah Argetsinger and Archer Utke were selected as Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative’s delegates for the 2026 Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. June 14-20. Argetsinger is a 2026 homeschool graduate and Utke is a 2026 Osceola High School graduate.
Our Polk-Burnett delegates will jon more than 2,000 high school students from electric co-ops across the country to learn about rural electric cooperatives, U.S. history, government and democracy. They will meet congressional leaders and toured Capitol Hill, national monuments, Arlington National Cemetery and Smithsonian Museums. The tour is hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA), with local sponsorship by Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative.
To be selected as Polk-Burnett’s Youth Tour delegates, Argetsinger and Utke demonstrated community service and wrote essays about the value of cooperatives in our community.
Elijah Argetsinger
Argetsinger is the son of co-op member Paul Argetsinger. He will attend the University of Northwestern in St. Paul this fall, where he plans to study mechanical engineering and animation. He volunteers through his church and at his community food shelf.
In his essay, Argetsinger wrote that traveling to our nation’s Capital would give him an opportunity to learn from people, beyond using a search engine. He said he looks forward to meeting others from across the county and gaining a greater understanding of the people of the United States, as well as a greater appreciation for the founders of our nation.
Argetsinger also researched and wrote about electric cooperatives, stating the goal is providing power without turning a profit, where investments are made to improve the electric grid and community comes first. His essay concluded with thoughts on the value of electricity for heating, cooling and cooking.
Archer Utke
Utke is the son of co-op member Teresa and Jeremy Utke. He will attend North Dakota State University this fall, where he plans to study mechanical/biomedical engineering. His Youth Tour application included volunteer service in his community, church and school, sharing time and talent at the food shelf and as a Salvation Army bell ringer, school peer tutor and church pianist.
In his essay, Utke wrote that he is interested in developing leadership skills during his Youth Tour experience in Washington, D.C. “Learning from real-world leaders who have a direct impact on millions of lives would be incredibly educational,” he stated.
About electric cooperatives, Utke wrote that co-op members benefit from the affordable cost of electricity and the Capital Credits that are returned to members. “Capital Credits can be used to return revenue back to consumers or to provide scholarships to aspiring students,” he wrote. “It’s amazing to see how much positive impact Capital Credits have in my local community.”
“Polk-Burnett is pleased to support youth leadership opportunities for the children of our members, according to our cooperative principles,” said General Manager Steve Stroshane. “We congratulate Elijah and Archer, and thank them for representing our co-op and community well.”
“Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives play a key role in sponsoring this life-changing opportunity for youth to explore the world outside their hometowns and learn incredibly valuable lessons. Thank you to local co-ops and members, for your investment in these kids and showing them the way to a brighter future!” said Rob Richard, WECA president and CEO.
Polk-Burnett’s Youth Tour program does not affect electric rates; it is funded with unclaimed Capital Credits that would be forfeited to the state if not used for education, and by the generosity of members who donate their Capital Credits.
Donate future Capital Credits
Learn about Polk-Burnett's scholarship program and see 2026 winners
Learn more about Polk-Burnett's Youth Tour program
Polk-Burnett Youth Tour delegates Elijah Argetsinger and Archer Utke are part of the Wisconsin student group that will tour Washington, D.C. Electric cooperatives across Wisconsin selected students for an all-expense-paid trip of a lifetime to see national sites and democracy in action in our nation’s capital.
