• 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 Presidential!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

  • Elsie Janis

    World War I’s “Sweetheart of the American Expeditionary Force” was a Marion girl named Elsie Janis. A singing, cartwheeling vaudeville star, she toured France entertaining and bolstering the morale of the servicemen.  And, Janis was no flash in the pan. She had a lengthy and illustrious career as a multi-talented songwriter, actress, dancer, and singer. […]Read More »
  • The Marion Area Humane Society

    If you’ve ever thought about adopting a cat or dog, you’ve likely visited the Marion Area Humane Society. Located at 2264 Richland Road since June of 1984, the shelter has been a staple in the community for Marion residents looking to adopt or surrender cats and dogs. The shelter is operated by passionate staff members […]Read More »
  • Hundreds of High School Seniors Find Opportunity Close to Home

    For 500 high school seniors, opportunities for education and careers close to home were on display at the Careers Made in Marion Expo on October 17, 2023, inside Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the Marion County Fairgrounds. Twenty-nine partners from a variety of fields offered more than 700 local job openings in manufacturing, banking, business, health […]Read More »
  • Ben Kern – Sharing his World through His Art

    Many lament that the talent of our community leaves.  Look around and discover the talent of people that do live here like the artist Ben Kern.  Ben not only creates beautiful art, but he often chooses to depict scenes from Marion County. This is just one reason Marion is fortunate to have Ben Kern as […]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