• 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 Presidential!We Are Having Fun!We Are Generous!
  • 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

  • All Pro Dad: Nurturing Kids One Conversation at a Time

    What does it take to excel at fatherhood and at life? The All Pro Dad chapter at Heritage Elementary School brings fathers and their sons and daughters together once a month before school for intentional, meaningful conversations. The local chapter was started by Beau Hummel, a local pastor and parent. “I remember how busy I was […]Read More »
  • Major Gruber deeply rooted in Marion

    Since kindergarten, B.J. Gruber knew he wanted to be a police officer or a baseball player. After he was not picked up by any professional teams, his choice was clear.  Following graduation from Marion Harding High School in 1993, Gruber briefly started college until he got a call from the Marion City Police Department (MPD) […]Read More »
  • Marion’s Helping Hands

    MARION’S HELPING HANDS Marion’s Helping Hands started in May 2013 with a mission, a Facebook page, a friend, and Brandy Gatrell’s garage. Almost four years later, the mission has gone above and beyond what was ever imagined. Now, the operations are led by four moms and a community that cares. A community that wants to […]Read More »
  • Caledonia History Comes to Life At Murder Mystery

    A century-old love story is receiving a chilling twist this spring as the Caledonia Memorial Global Methodist Church prepares to host Tragedy at the Altar, an immersive murder mystery dinner on Saturday, May 31. The event is set in 1909 and is based on the real wedding of Iva Brocklesby and John Boldt, the first […]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