PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — Lillian Orlich spent decades educating students in Prince William County. The longtime teacher, known to thousands of students as Ms. O, passed away in early March.
Even after her passing, Orlich's legacy continues with a generous donation to students. The beloved teacher left behind $1 million for SPARK, the education foundation for Prince William County Public Schools.
“We are deeply saddened by Ms. Orlich’s passing, but the footprints she’s left in our hearts and minds can never be erased," said PWCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. LaTanya D. McDade.
Orlich retired in 2017 at 89 years old, after serving as a teacher and counselor. Many of her 64 years were spent teaching at Osbourn Park High School, according to a statement from PWCS.
SPARK says the donation will be spread out across the foundation's six focus areas, Educator Preparedness, (STEM) Education, Social and Emotional Learning, Innovative and Digital Citizenship, Career Pathways to Global Citizens, and Partnerships for School Improvement.
“Miss Lillian Orlich’s devotion to this community is unprecedented because she dedicated her life’s work over the course of the last 3 quarters of a century investing in our future leaders. This donation to SPARK is unsurprising considering her passion for supporting our students. We are so very honored and proud to continue her legacy through this generous gift. This is a rare and an inspirational moment in this school system,” said Melissa Boyle, President of the SPARK Board of Directors.
The Prince William County School Board honored Ms. Orlich by naming two rooms in PWCS for her. The Osbourn Park High School auditorium was dedicated to Ms. Orlich on April 26, 2003, and the Lillian M. Orlich Student Services Center at Gainesville High School was dedicated to her in 2021.
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