Students from Ellis Middle School and I.J. Holton Intermediate School will get a chance on Tuesday to hear from singer/songwriter Kat Perkins, who was a 2014 semifinalist on NBC-TV’s “The Voice.”

Perkins’ appearance comes after I. J. Holton Intermediate School and Ellis Middle School principals worked together to bring Perkins to Austin.

Perkins, in addition to her singing, is a motivational speaker for both education and business, and will talk about reaching goals, fulfilling dreams and making a difference.

Her message aligns itself well with those taught at the schools, said Ellis Principal Jason Senne. “We talk about reaching goals, making a positive impact,” he said.

“It will be a great opportunity” for students interested in music as a career to see someone active in the music industry, he added.

Perkins will give four different presentations for each grade, all held at I. J. Holton.

Perkins grew up in rural North Dakota with a dream to perform in front of a live audience. She later moved to the Twin Cities to purse that dream.

At the age of 17, Perkins attended a camp that changed her life and outlook on the music industry as a career. But she also found out about perseverance: she had to take a three-year hiatus from singing due to vocal chord surgery. Then, she took her turn on season 6 of “The Voice.”

It was already a great day for presentations: During the same day, author/artist Haley Moss will be in Austin as part of the first day of a Peer Power Partners mentoring program kickoff for the 2017-18 program year.

Moss will give presentations and lead interactive activities with middle, intermediate and high school students and school staff, giving presentations that will focus on understanding autism, disability awareness, and celebrating differences while supporting each other.

Moss will also give a public presentation about the myths and truths about autism from 6:30-8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, at the Hormel Historic Home.