SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) welcomed Marshall DeGroot, the son of Avery Bourne and Aaron DeGroot, to the Illinois House of Representatives to deliver the opening prayer. Marshall is a six-year-old kindergartner from Morrisonville.

“Marshall did a wonderful job, and we can all learn from his simple but powerful message," said Rep. Rosenthal. "We believe Marshall is the youngest guest on record to deliver the opening invocation in the Illinois House’s 208-year history,” said Rep. Rosenthal. “It was also a special occasion for Marshall’s classmates, who were able to watch him online with the help of technology.”

Marshall DeGroot offered the following prayer:

“First, I want to say hi to my class and friends who are listening and hi to my family.

Please join me in prayer. Dear God, thank you for this day. Thank you, God, for this country and our state. Today, I pray that you protect our leaders. Please help everyone here do good work and let everybody have a great day. Amen.”

The Morrisonville Elementary School is part of the Morrisonville Community Unit School District #1 located 35 miles south of Springfield.