• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Having Fun!We Are Generous!We Are Presidential!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Flat Stanley

By MarionMade! on April 30, 2018

Taft Elementary: Flat Stanley’s New York Adventure

For the first time, Katy Miller’s second grade class at Taft Elementary School sent their Flat Stanley projects across the country to learn about different cultures and communities. One of Miller’s students sent her Flat Stanley to, actor, Billy Peck. You may have seen him in Gotham, Quantico, or Kevin Can Wait. But maybe you’ve seen him performing at Elgin High School or, our very own, Palace Theatre!

Billy Peck grew up in Marion and graduated from Elgin. After graduation he moved to New York City, and is now living out his dream of being an actor!

While Stanley was in New York, Billy took him to Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, Time Square, One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and to Ray’s for pizza! Not only did Stanley get to visit some of the most iconic locations in New York City, but he got to experience a true New York lifestyle, by taking subways, cabs, and walking to his destinations.

Billy Peck is an inspiration to the students at Taft Elementary. He grew up in the same hometown as them and worked hard to accomplish his goals. Now he’s living his dream in New York and showing students that they can achieve their goals, too!

#WeAreMarionMade #WeAreFlatStanley #WeAreTaftElementary #WeAreBillyPeck

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • New Book by Teresa Parker Highlights Marion Technical College’s Golden Anniversary

    Marion Technical College (MTC) will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this November. In honor of this golden anniversary, the college commissioned a book of its history by someone who witnessed much of it: MTC alumna and recently retired staff member Teresa Parker. Parker started at MTC as a student in the mid-1970s and worked at […]Read More »
  • Linn School: Peering Into Into Marion’s Past

     A recent ice cream social at the Linn School offered residents an opportunity to walk into Marion’s past. This historic landmark was built in 1897, just two miles north of Marion on State Route 4. While there were 130 such schools in Marion County, this is one of the last to have stood the test […]Read More »
  • Carroll Neidhardt: Marion Man Preserves History

    As a child, Carroll Neidhardt had a passion for learning about Marion County. “He was interested in everything. The boys would go play in the woods and Carroll would know all of the rocks, trees, leaves and acorns,” said Mary Ellen Dune, Carroll’s mother. “He was interested in everything he could see.” At age 12, […]Read More »
  • Horses Inspire Local Kids to Read

    Dr. Lori Kepford, a Marion County native with a passion for horses, returned home from Kentucky, determined to make a difference in the lives of local children.  Dr. Kepford founded Providence Therapeutic Equestrian Center (PTEC) in 2012.  This non-profit offers Equine-Assisted Activities to people with special needs. “I have experienced the total benefit of the […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2026 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image