Mary Ruland was a 1908 graduate of Sidney High School. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Syracuse University, where she was also elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She retired in 1961 after teaching Latin for 40 years, all in New York State and 33 of those years in Sidney Central School (1928-61).

Already teaching World History, she volunteered to teach Latin and literally brought it back to life. Not only did her students learn Latin and Roman History but they experienced first hand an authentic Roman banquet that was the culmination of each year's studies.

During her tenure at Sidney High School she founded the Student Council and remained its advisor for many years, counseling many young would-be leaders along the way. She developed the foreign student exchange program with American Field Service and served as advisor to the National Honor Society.

In 1959, The Reflector, was dedicated to Mrs. Ruland and she was applauded for "her great enthusiasm, personal interest, undivided attention, and understanding of the students. She has encouraged them to obtain high goals in school. Through her example they have acquired standards which they will carry with them throughout their future years".

During her tenure, she was also recognized by both the Sidney Chamber of Commerce and the Sidney Rotary Club for excellence in teaching and devotion to Sidney's students.

Indeed, comments from former students abound with memories of her use of hands-on education and her dedication to provide each student with the tools to carry them through life and the challenge to work just a bit harder. She is characterized by all as a teacher one would never forget.

"Mrs. Ruland was a wonderful teacher in the classroom, earning the immediate respect of her students through her demeanor of sophistication, quick wit and obvious respect for them. She is at the top of the list of teachers I credit to this day for teaching important lessons about living life about respect, honesty, accountability, and the positive return one can achieve through hard work."