Even after her loss of life, Lillian Orlich continues to be serving the scholars of the Virginia faculty system the place she taught for 67 years earlier than retiring at 89.
In her will, she left them $1 million.
Often known as “Ms. O” by generations of scholars, Lillian handed away on March 7. Inside a month, staff at Prince William County Colleges realized the information of her beneficiant donation.
It might be shocking {that a} highschool historical past trainer might save 1,000,000 bucks, however she by no means married or had kids, and buddies say she lived a frugal way of life.
She spent most of her profession at Osbourn Excessive College in Manassas and Osbourn Park Excessive College within the county exterior of Washington, DC. By the point she retired, the scholars and her colleagues had turn into her household.
“I don’t have any residing relations,” she as soon as instructed the Washington Submit. “These are my relations.”
The $1 million donation was paid to SPARK, the training basis for the PW county colleges. It is going to be used to broaden a scholarship she arrange with SPARK after retiring six years in the past—which has already benefitted dozens of scholars who obtained money grants for school.
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The cash will even be distributed throughout the inspiration’s six focus areas, which embrace STEM training; social and emotional studying; digital innovation; faculty enchancment; and notably on educator preparedness as a result of Orlich was a long-time trainer.
“Lillian Orlich’s devotion to this neighborhood is unprecedented as a result of she devoted her life’s work over the course of the final 3 quarters of a century investing in our future leaders,” mentioned PWCS Superintendent of Colleges Dr. LaTanya McDade.
Described as “a real Prince William County legend,” Lillian arrived early day-after-day, usually coming to the varsity at 3 a.m. She even labored by the summers—and for years she introduced in meals for the workers each Monday, in response to the Submit.
“The footprints she’s left in our hearts and minds can by no means be erased and her legacy lives on within the lives of the scholars and workers she impacted,” mentioned McDade.
“She was the very best trainer I ever had,” Michael Simpson instructed GNN.
Melissa Boyle, President of SPARK, mentioned they had been honored and proud to proceed her legacy. “It is a uncommon and an inspirational second on this faculty system.”
Shortly after she died at age 95, a memorial service was held for her at Osbourn Park Excessive, within the auditorium named after her.
“Her compassion and unwavering dedication to selfless service has profoundly impacted numerous generations,” mentioned one Prince William County College Board member.
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