At Rathbun Insurance, we believe that Being There Matters Most—not just for our clients but for the community we call home. That’s why CEO Ben Rathbun and COO Laura Stoken were honored to attend A Night Out, a special event hosted by Waverly Robotics at Studio 414.

Since its founding in 2017, Waverly Robotics has been dedicated to more than just building robots; they are shaping the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators. The program provides students with hands-on experience in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), fostering creativity, teamwork, and leadership. Through collaborative projects, students develop communication skills, gain real-world knowledge, and embrace gracious professionalism, setting the stage for their future careers.

This year’s event brought together students, families, and supporters for an unforgettable evening filled with dueling pianos, a silent auction, and live caricature artists.

However, one of the night’s most special moments was when Laura’s husband, Jason Stoken, General Manager of Alro Steel Corporation’s Lansing location, took the stage as the keynote speaker.

Alro Steel, a distributor of metals and plastics, has been a proud member of the community since 1948. The company not only provides financial support to Waverly Robotics but also donates materials and sends volunteers into the classroom, helping students bring their engineering and robotics projects to life.

As a token of appreciation for Jason’s keynote address, Waverly Robotics presented the Stokens with two incredibly personal, handcrafted gifts:

• A wood-engraved photo of Laura’s family 

  

• A photo collage mounted on a piece of steel—likely donated by Alro Steel itself

These heartfelt gifts were a beautiful reminder of the impact that mentorship and community support can have on young minds.

This event wasn’t just a celebration—it was a testament to the power of investing in education, innovation, and the next generation of problem solvers. Waverly Robotics continues to inspire and equip students with the skills they need to succeed, and Rathbun Insurance is proud to support initiatives that create opportunities for young leaders in our community.

We extend our gratitude to Waverly Robotics, Alro Steel, and all the supporters who made A Night Out such a success. We can’t wait to see what these talented students accomplish next!