Mary Postal Memorial Scholarship

About Mary Postal

Mary Postal was a passionate special education teacher of 13 years at the Pleasant Valley School District in Camarillo, California. As a teacher, she was dedicated to the success of her students, always encouraging them to reach their full potential, regardless of their background. She passionately advocated for students that might otherwise not have been heard.

Mary’s education at California State University Channel Islands gave her the tools she needed to make an impact as an educator. She earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology from CSUCI in 2007, and then her teaching credential shortly after. Following the completion of her CSUCI education, Mary taught at Camarillo Heights Elementary School, and then at Monte Vista Middle School. She was dedicated as an educator to achieving her best.

In addition to teaching her students, Mary also served as a mentor in CSUCI’s teacher candidate program, helping students training to become teachers. As with her students, she helped them to achieve their best. Through this scholarship, her work will continue.

Mary was a longtime Ventura County resident, living in Moorpark for over 30 years. She was born and raised in Burbank, California. Above all else, Mary was a mother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She loved the music of Queen and Coldplay and was an avid fan of the Dodgers.

Her smile was unforgettable, as was her laugh. Mary was a force of nature.

"The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don't tell you what to see."

-Alexandra k. Trenfor

About the Mary Postal Memorial Scholarship

The Mary Postal Memorial Scholarship provides support to First Generation College Students in CSUCI’s School of Education, Education Specialist Credential Program who are preparing for careers as special educators. It was her last wish for her family to create this scholarship in her memory, to pay her passion for education forward. Mary went back to college after raising her son. She's a testament to never giving up on your dreams.

CSUCI’s Scholarship application window is open every January - March.

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Messages and Memories

Victor, Shannon, Jared, Alisia, Lillia, and Gavin

May God shine His light upon our cousin and grant peace to her family and loved ones. Our thought and prayers are with Mary and all of you.

Alice and Bob Sottile

There are no words to describe my sister Mary. Her void consumes the air...her life and engery make a difference to everyone she met, especially her students. This endowment pays an incredible tribute to her and her family.

Mia Hodge

Mary was such a special person and I see so much of her joyous and gentle spirit in our dear friend Andrew. Drew and I are so sorry for your loss and we keeping your whole family in our thoughts. Sending love and hugs.

Mark and Veronica Freeman

I miss Mary so much. She was a special type of person -both a leader and a team player, she was a masterful educator, but was always humble, approachable, and friendly. She was genuine; made her fellow educators feel heard, even if she didn't agree with them. Mary knew when to fight and when to quietly assess a situation. She was not afraid to speak up about what she believed in, but always showed respect to those with differing view points; always took other peoples' feelings into consideration. In her classroom, students knew that they were safe and cared for, but also that they couldn't get much past their teacher. Mary truly cared for others. She made those around her feel respected, valued, and loved. She put worried parents at ease in IEP meetings, gave new teachers shelter from the storm, and provided all those around her with a sense of warmth and acceptance. I'll miss brainstorming with her, stressing out with her, and just having everyday conversation with her across the lunch table. I'll miss her sense of humor and getting to laugh with her. I'll miss her resilience, and the sense of confidence she inspired in others. I'll miss that little sparkle in her eye when she was making mischief or hatching a plan. Most of all, I'll miss her smile.

Rest well my friend. Know that you touched the lives of so many of those around you and that you made a difference in this world. I'll keep your smile close to my heart.

Fran Arner-Costello

I knew Mary as an exemplary Special Educator. She took student teachers for CSUCI and modeled how an excellent teacher can be! I observed in her class many times and her organization, high expectations and care for each of her students was very apparent. She has changed the lives of many many young students over the years, as well as coaching and encouraging new young teachers in the field. A life that touches so many is a life well lived. Rest In Peace, Mary!