Friday was Girl Scout Day at the Capitol, and hundreds of Girl Scouts marched to the Statehouse to learn more about government and the history of Illinois.
About 2,000 Girl Scouts gathered in the Illinois capital to earn their Citizenship badge.
Kate Peters of Girl Scouts of Central Illinois says during part of the expo, the girls spoke to women in different careers.
“How impactful for them to see stuff like that and know, 'hey one day that can be me,'" Peters said. "One day, one of these girls will be governor of Illinois.”
Illinois First Lady Diana Rauner was a Girl Scout, and she praises the organization for teaching valuable lessons.
“I’d like to say at 53, I think I’m still trying to fulfill the Girl Scout motto. It’s a great one," she said. "It’s a great guide for your whole life, and I’m so proud of all of you and look forward to the ways you are going to change our state, change our nation, change our future and be the leaders of tomorrow.”
The first lady was named honorary president of the Girl Scouts of Illinois during the expo.
Gov. Bruce Rauner says Girl Scouts are young women of courage, confidence and character.
“You’re learning about yourselves, you’re learning how to be leaders," he said. "You can be anything you want to be, but you’ll always remember that you’re here to help others.”
At the end of the expo, the Girl Scouts linked arms with the first lady and the governor and joined in what they called the largest friendship circle in the state.
