Beloved Teacher and Counselor Leaves $1 Million Donation to Prince William Educational Foundation

In a heartfelt gesture of generosity, Lillian Orlich, a cherished educator and counselor who devoted 64 years of her life to serving Prince William area public schools, left behind a remarkable $1 million donation to SPARK, the school system's education foundation, upon her passing on March 7.

Fondly known to thousands of students as "Ms. O," Orlich retired in 2017 at the age of 89, leaving an indelible mark on the school community. She spent nearly her entire career at Osbourn High School in Manassas city and Osbourn Park High School in Prince William County.

Dr. LaTanya D. McDade, Prince William's superintendent of schools, expressed deep sorrow at Orlich's passing but emphasized the lasting impact she had on countless lives. "Her legacy lives on in the lives of the students and staff she impacted," McDade remarked.

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The generous $1 million donation from Orlich's estate will serve to further SPARK’s mission, promoting, aiding, encouraging, and engaging in educational activities and endeavors for county students, teachers, and administrators. According to a school system news release, the funds will be allocated across six focus areas, including educator preparedness, STEM education, social and emotional learning, innovative and digital citizenship, career pathways to global citizens, and partnerships for school improvement.

Notably, a significant portion of the donation will be dedicated to educator preparedness, honoring Orlich's lifelong commitment to education. Melissa Boyle, president of the SPARK board of directors, praised Orlich's dedication to the community and expressed gratitude for her generous gift. "This donation to SPARK is unsurprising considering her passion for supporting our students," Boyle stated. "We are so very honored and proud to continue her legacy through this generous gift."

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Babur Lateef, chair of the Prince William School Board, echoed sentiments of appreciation for Orlich's profound impact on the school community. "Her compassion and unwavering commitment to selfless service has profoundly impacted countless generations of PWCS students," Lateef remarked. "We are immensely grateful for Ms. Orlich’s dedication and contributions to PWCS during her lifetime and beyond, as her memory lives on."

The legacy of Lillian Orlich will continue to inspire and uplift the Prince William educational community for years to come, serving as a beacon of generosity and dedication to the betterment of students' lives.