Louks, Richter to represent Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric in Washington, D.C., for 2026 Youth Tour

Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric will be represented at the 2026 Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., by Connor Louks, a sophomore at New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva High School, and Leighton Richter, a sophomore at Bethlehem Academy. 

Connor is the son of Joseph and Amy Louks of rural Ellendale. Leighton is the son of Sherry Richter of rural Faribault. Each submitted a video of at least two minutes and not exceeding three minutes answering questions on why they would like to represent Steele-Waseca on the Youth Tour, and what they hoped to gain from the experience; what school activities they enjoyed the most; and how they contribute to making their community a better place to live. 

There were three eligible entries submitted, and a panel of judges evaluated the videos for the personality and communication exhibited in the video responses to the published questions. Each applicant was required to submit letters of recommendation for the judges to learn more about the applicant. A majority of the judges selected this year’s delegates. Each applicant will be entered into a drawing for a $250 gift card that will be announced during Steele-Waseca’s annual meeting on Tuesday, June 2. 22753

“I’m interested in how leadership, public service and the community intersect,” stated Connor in his video regarding the Youth Tour. “This is a unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Teacher Onika Peterson wrote, “Connor is a respectful, hardworking, and dependable young man with strong values and high integrity. While he may not always seek the spotlight, Connor leads through his actions. He consistently does what is right, treats others with kindness, and sets a positive example for his peers. His quiet leadership and strong moral compass make him someone others naturally look up to.”

Connor’s activities include football, trapshooting, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He made his community a better place to live by joining his dad and brother one day each week this past summer in mowing other people’s lawns who are unable to mow. Connor stated plans are to do it again this summer. 

In his video, Leighton highlighted what he is looking to gain from his Youth Tour experience, “A deeper understanding of leadership, firsthand exposure to public service and inspiration to be more involved in making a positive difference in the future.” Academics & Student Life Director Edward Friesen wrote, “In addition to his academic strengths, Leighton is a natural leader and is well respected by his peers. He currently serves as his class vice president and is well-liked by his classmates, which reflects his strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with others.”

Leighton’s activities include basketball, FFA, and Youth in Government. He makes his community a better place to live by working as a youth baseball umpire and participating in the Cannon River watershed cleanup. 

Steele-Waseca will also have extra participation on this year’s Youth Tour, June 15-20, as Safety Coordinator Cindy Butterfield will be serving as one of the chaperones.

Cutline: Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric’s 2026 Youth Tour Delegates Connor Louks (left) and Leighton Richter as pictured in their respective videos submitted for this year’s Youth Tour.