• 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

  • John Butterworth’s Legacy Continues On

    Sheriff John Butterworth served the Marion community for decades. He was elected to an unmatched six terms in office. Butterworth answered thousands of calls from residents and influenced a generation of local officers. Though John died of esophageal cancer in 2014, his wife, sons, friends, and colleagues ensure his impact is still being felt. While […]Read More »
  • Tree-Trimming Company Thrives and Gives Back to Community

    Rodolfo Loaeza moved to Marion in 2003. He started his career in caring for trees in 2006. He and his friend Osmar Vargas, have worked all over the United States for large companies, including responding to wildfires. Loaeza, his wife, Florinda Sanchez; and Vargas founded their own tree service company in 2020. Advice for Homeowners They say now is a good […]Read More »
  • Careers Made in Marion Expo to Highlight Local Job Opportunities

    Twenty-nine local companies, public agencies, educators and nonprofits will be featured at the upcoming Careers Made in Marion Expo at Veterans Memorial Coliseum at the Marion County Fairgrounds on Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. High school seniors from Buckeye Community School, Elgin, Harding, Pleasant, Ridgedale, River Valley and Tri-Rivers will be able […]Read More »
  • McKinley Leather

    October is National Manufacturing Month.  Marion County has a wealth of diverse manufacturers, both large and small.  Today, we are featuring one of our smaller manufacturers, who could also be considered artisans in the manufacturing world – McKinley Leather. Back in the early 1990s, Derek Williams decided he was tired of traveling around the country […]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