Florida Teen Named National Merit Finalist With 5.15 GPA

A Florida high school senior just earned recognition as one of the nation's brightest students, and he's been sharing that gift with kids for years.

James Treick, a senior at Tate High School in Pensacola, has been named a 2026 National Merit Scholarship Finalist. The honor places him among the top-performing students in the entire country.

His academic record backs it up. Treick maintains a 5.15 weighted GPA at Tate while juggling dual enrollment courses at Pensacola State College, where he holds a perfect 4.0 and has earned President's List recognition.

But numbers only tell half the story. For nearly three years, Treick has worked at Code Ninjas, mentoring students from kindergarten through ninth grade in coding and robotics. Every week, he helps younger kids discover the joy of problem-solving and technology.

At school, he's involved in National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Beta Club. He served as tennis team captain during his sophomore year and volunteers on mission trips, giving back to communities beyond his own.

Why This Inspires

Principal Laura Touchstone captured what makes Treick's achievement special. "Whether he is excelling in the classroom, mentoring younger students, or leading among his peers, he consistently represents Tate High School with excellence," she said.

The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes fewer than 1% of high school seniors nationwide. Finalists must demonstrate exceptional academic ability, but the program also values leadership and community commitment. Treick checks every box.

His approach shows a truth we sometimes forget: the smartest among us often use their gifts to lift others up. While managing college-level coursework and maintaining near-perfect grades, Treick chose to spend his time teaching elementary schoolers how to code.

That combination of brilliance and generosity creates something more valuable than any test score. It creates mentors who inspire the next generation to reach higher.

National Merit Scholarships will be awarded later this year, but Treick has already won something bigger: the respect of everyone watching a young person do remarkable things while helping others do the same.