Albemarle High School Alumni Association
Classes of 1953 - 2024
Mary Lederman
ALBEMARLE HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
HALL OF FAME
Mary Antil Lederman
Mary Lederman taught French, and for some years Spanish, at Albemarle High School from 1964 until her retirement in 1987. She was head of the Foreign Language Department. Mary Lederman graduated from Syracuse University in 1946 where she majored in English with a minor in French and Spanish. She received the Phi Beta Kappa award for being the most active member of her graduating class. In 1986, Mary Lederman was recognized for her Excellence in Foreign Language Education in Virginia and awarded the FLAVA award.
Virginia Scott, one of her nominators said, “Mrs.Lederman set an example for all of her students. She made French exciting as she taught French culture, literature and history as well as the language. Mary Lederman pushed for her students to succeed in not only learning a second language, but in making wise choices in life. She is someone who’s enthusiasm about life and learning you never forget. She is an encouraging, caring, person in our lives who continues to inspire us to learn and to pursue our dreams”.
Nominator Nancy McMoneagle said “Mrs. Lederman was a “tour de force” for her students with her incredible energy and teaching skills (also known as “The Lederman Legacy”.) Her enthusiasm, wit, love of debate, keen perspective on current affairs and excellent teaching ability not only shaped our minds, she touched our hearts as well…and continues to do so. She has been supportive of many classes and her past students by going to their class reunions and staying in touch with a number of students, always encouraging them to keep up their foreign language skills and to be a healthy involved citizen in what’s going on in one’s community”.
Mrs. Lederman continued to teach long after her teaching career ended. Since her years at Albemarle, she has taught French at the senior center in Charlottesville for many years. She continues to gather with her Albemarle High School students and attends class reunions.
Hall of Fame Member
May 13, 2011