The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is proud to recognize Ava Wise as a 2026 CPOF scholarship recipient.
Ava, the daughter of Frances Rebecca Wise of the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole, will attend Texas Tech University, where she plans to pursue a nursing degree on her path to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
In her scholarship essay, Ava shares that one of her favorite songs is “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit because of the optimism and determination it represents.
She believes life will always present obstacles, but with perseverance and a positive outlook, those challenges can be overcome.
That mindset has shaped every part of her journey.
Ava will graduate from Whitehouse High School with an impressive 30 college credit hours already completed through dual-credit coursework while ranking 38th in a graduating class of 313 students.
Her dedication extends well beyond the classroom.
A lifelong athlete, Ava has competed in both club and school volleyball and soccer, traveling hours to tournaments while balancing the demands of academics. Her hard work earned her First Team All-District honors in volleyball during her junior year and 5A District Server of the Year recognition as a senior. She also earned a varsity soccer position as a freshman and has been inducted into the National Honor Society at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels.
Earlier this year, Ava’s family experienced an unexpected financial setback when her father lost his job.
While the situation created uncertainty, it also strengthened her appreciation for the sacrifices her family has made to support her education and reinforced her determination to continue pursuing her goals.
Her dream of becoming a CRNA combines her passion for science, critical thinking, and compassionate patient care.
She hopes to build a career that allows her to serve others during some of the most important moments of their lives while leading with professionalism, empathy, and excellence.
Throughout her essay, Ava returns to a simple belief:
With determination, hard work, and a positive attitude, every obstacle can be overcome.
The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is proud to support students like Ava whose perseverance, leadership, and commitment to serving others reflect the values of correctional families across the nation.
Congratulations, Ava! We wish you continued success as you begin this exciting new chapter at Texas Tech University.
Photo caption: Accepting the scholarship on Ava’s behalf is her mother, Frances Rebecca Wise of the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole, pictured with Field Representatives Cathy Stokes and Rhonda Jensen and TDCJ Region 1 Director Michael Britt.