UWf Welcomes Two National Merit Finalists, Including A Tate High Graduate

September 22, 2026

The University of West Florida welcomed two National Merit Finalists this fall semester, including a Tate High School graduate, bringing the recipients of this scholarship to 20 students since 2017.

Tate graduate James Donald “Jack” Treick and Micaiah Henry are among the approximately 16,000 students across the country who met the requirements for finalist standing out of an estimated 1.3 million participating high school students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship competition.

The National Merit Finalists earn UWF’s top scholarship with a total value of more than $50,000, including full tuition, room and board; an $800-per-semester book stipend and a research or study abroad experience.

“We are proud to welcome this year’s top scholars to the University of West Florida,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “These students have already demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, and we are committed to providing the opportunities and support to help them continue to excel and make a meaningful impact in their future professions.”

James Donald “Jack” Treick, a mechanical engineering major from Cantonment, was drawn to UWF for the ability to bring his engineering creations to life while pursuing high impact internship and research opportunities.

“UWF’s opportunities for research, internships and in-depth personal project support leave me excited to design and execute new ideas,” Treick said. “Exploring the labs and learning about the relationships that the University has with local companies such as the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition and American Magic showed me that there are a lot of opportunities for formative internships. I look forward to growing as both a problem solver and person while attending UWF.”

Micaiah Henry, an exercise science major from Kenai, Alaska, is grateful to be able to pursue a career interest in prosthetics and orthotics thanks to the financial opportunities and support offered by UWF.

“Before receiving the National Merit Scholarship, college was nowhere in my plans for the future because it was too expensive,” Henry said. “UWF’s generous scholarship program has opened up the door to an enormous opportunity and an adventure that was entirely unexpected. I am thrilled to be joining UWF this fall to explore a different part of our beautiful country, make new friends and challenge myself in my classes.”

The University also hosted its annual President’s Scholarship Competition, which awards top Florida-resident incoming freshmen who show potential to serve as future leaders with the Institution’s most prestigious scholarship, the Pace Presidential Scholarship. This scholarship is offered in conjunction with Florida Bright Futures and covers on-campus room and board, tuition, an $800 book stipend and a research or student abroad experience, totaling more than $50,000.

The six students who were awarded the Pace Presidential Scholarship in 2026 include:

  • Laila Chavarrie Service, clinical laboratory sciences major from Gulf Breeze High School
  • Asher Colley, natural science major from Spanish River Community High School
  • Elizabeth Ellis, biomedical science major from Milton High School
  • Kamryn Gibbs, of Molino, pre-BSN major from West Florida High School
  • Elijah Riffell, electrical engineering major from Pace High School
  • Alexis Walders, pre-BSN major from Pace High School

In 2019, the University established the Argo Spirit Scholarship, a full-ride, competitive scholarship awarded to first-time-in-college freshmen who have shown strength of character, or “Argo Spirit.” Argo Spirit involves overcoming obstacles, fighting for something important and making an impact while in high school.

The five recipients of 2026 Argo Spirit Scholarship are:

  • Marcus Cadet, cybersecurity major from Atlantic Community High School
  • Brea Lyle, pre-BSN major from Jay High School
  • Vanessa Neville, biochemistry major from Pine Ridge High School
  • Nadia Poole, pre-BSN major from Bay High School
  • Brenton Scofield, pre-BSN major from J.R. Arnold High School

Pictured: National Merit Finalists James Treick (left) and Micaiah Henry (right) with UWF President UWF President Manny Diaz, Jr. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under TOP STORIES