Legendary Lillian Orlich retires from PWC Schools

She has counseled generations of students, yet Osbourn Park High School Counselor Lillian Orlich was surprised that her retirement was trending on social media this week. Although she preferred a quiet departure, that sort of news just can’t stay under wraps for long.

Osbourn Park High School Principal Neil Beech can now share his reaction. Released from his oath of secrecy, as were a handful of others, Beech described “Ms. O” as an inspirational educator. “It is a sad day for Osbourn Park and our community,” he said. “Her contributions will be forever lasting.”

She is not saying goodbye, but “au revoir,” good wishes, said Ms. Orlich.

She will be at Osbourn Park High School for weeks to come, packing up mementos from her office, and sharing memories with those still in the building. She will always be a part of Osbourn Park, and students, staff, and administrators look forward to seeing her on future visits to the school.

“Many people have offered suggestions for volunteer work,” she said. “I have to stay busy.”

Ms. Orlich was an administrator for three years elsewhere; and hardly a blip on the radar in her lifetime of service to Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS). In 1950 she joined PWCS to teach European history and coordinate eighth-grade at Osbourn High School (at that time within PWCS).

She moved with students and staff to the new Osbourn Park High School when it opened in 1975. Over the years she has counseled children and even grandchildren of her students.

Long known for her early-morning arrival at Osbourn Park High School to attend to paperwork before helping make attendance calls in the front office, Ms. Orlich was counseling and mentoring students up to the last day of school.

When she is not monitoring the career and academic experiences of students, Ms. Orlich follows their extracurricular interests by attending dance, theatre, and art events.

Her advice to her students is and has always been, “Keep busy, stay involved and energetic, try new things you have not done before, and keep pace with things around you.”