13-04-2025
Beltrami Electric announces Anika Harmsen as 2025 youth tour winner
Apr. 12—BEMIDJI — Beltrami Electric Cooperative recently announced Bemidji High School junior Anika Harmsen as its official delegate for the 2025 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.
From June 16-21, Harmsen will join hundreds of students from across the country for an all-expense-paid trip to the nation's capital. During the event, she will explore historic landmarks, meet with lawmakers and gain valuable insight into the democratic process and the role of electric cooperatives in shaping public policy.
For more than 58 years, the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has empowered future leaders to better understand government, civic engagement and the cooperative difference.
"Anika earned this distinguished opportunity after submitting a well-researched and thoughtful essay highlighting what sets Beltrami Electric apart from other electric utilities," a release said.
Harmsen maintains a 4.0 GPA while pursuing college-level courses through the PSEO program at Bemidji State. She also competes in soccer, Nordic skiing, and track and field, where she has served as a team captain.
"Beyond school and sports, Anika is a committed community volunteer, supporting programs such as the Special Olympics Unified Partner program and the PinkySwear Foundation, and serving as a Link Leader, mentoring underclassmen at her school," the release continued.
She also juggles multiple part-time jobs, working as a lifeguard, youth sports leader and restaurant host.
"We're excited for Anika to experience the Youth Tour and engage with the legislative process firsthand," Angela Lyseng, youth tour coordinator for BEC, said in the release.
Harmsen is especially excited to visit the U.S. Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and the Holocaust Museum, and she hopes to one day pursue a career in law and politics.
