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".
In 2002, Nancy Sue was selected as Sidney's Citizen of the Year. The program from that event describes Nancy as showing "character, class, compassion, commitment, and contagious sense of excitement about promoting her community and the talents of the people in it". Nancy "is a forward thinker whose interaction with people now sows the seeds for more zealous, considerate citizens of the years to come".
Long time colleague and friend, Ed Roelle wrote…"Her fierce love for her family, her church and her community is visible at all times. I can’t tell you how many times we sat down together to discuss a community problem and what we could do about it. I can truly say she is a caring person and a joy to be around."