At Rathbun Insurance, we believe that Being There Matters Most—and that includes showing up for the next generation as they explore their futures.
This week, our President, Laura Stoken, had the privilege of inviting students from the Wilson Talent Center to serve as featured speakers at Mason Rotary. It was an opportunity to spotlight not just their individual stories, but the power of hands-on, career-focused education in our community.
Rotary is a global network of community leaders, business professionals, and volunteers dedicated to service above self. Local chapters, like Mason Rotary, bring people together to support community initiatives, develop leadership, and create meaningful connections that drive positive change both locally and globally.
Wilson Talent Center is part of the Ingham Intermediate School District and provides high school students with career and technical education programs. These programs are designed to give students real-world, hands-on experience while still in school—helping them build skills, confidence, and connections that prepare them for immediate entry into the workforce or continued education.
During the Rotary meeting, we heard from an impressive group of students: one from the Business Risk Management program, three from the Automotive program, and two from the Welding program.
While their areas of study varied, their message was consistent and powerful.
The common thread was clear. Wilson Talent Center is providing an incredible alternative to traditional learning; one that emphasizes hands-on experience, exposure to real career pathways, and direct connections to employers. These students aren’t just learning concepts in a classroom; they are actively building skills, solving problems, and preparing to step confidently into the workforce after graduation.
Their stories were a reminder that success doesn’t follow just one path. For many students, programs like Wilson Talent Center create opportunities that are engaging, practical, and deeply aligned with their interests and strengths.
We are incredibly grateful to Mason Rotary for providing a platform to elevate these voices and to the students for sharing their experiences so thoughtfully.
At Rathbun Insurance, supporting workforce development and creating pathways for young people is core to who we are. Experiences like this reinforce why we continue to invest our time, resources, and energy into initiatives that connect education with real-world opportunity.
Because when we support our youth, we’re not just shaping careers—we’re strengthening our entire community.