Nine Cape Elizabeth High School students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, it was announced last week by Principal Jeffrey Shedd.

More than one million students entered the 2008 Merit Program when they were juniors by taking the PSAT, which served as an initial screening of program entrants. Fewer than 5 percent of these students advanced in the competition, and less than 1 percent of the nation’s high school seniors are ultimately named semifinalists.

Commended students are recognized for the exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the qualifying test. Semifinalists will continue in the competition for Merit Scholarship awards, worth $30 million, to be offered next spring.

Semifinalists in the Merit Scholarship Competition are:

Elizabeth C. Cummings, daughter of Deborah Mann and Geoffrey Cummings;

F. Charles Governali, son of Terry Ann Scriven and Frank Governali;

Thomas E. Houge, son of Debra Houge and David Houge.

Commended students in Merit Scholarship Competition are:

Kelsey J. Blumenthal, daughter of Holly Ovenden and Steven Blumenthal;

Ryan Hayashi, son of Rebecca and Hisayuki Hayashi;

Stephanie E. House, daughter of Sue and David House;

Peter F. Kelley, son of Martha and Chip Kelley;

Ashley M. Robinson, daughter of Kate Robinson and Glenn Robinson;

Dylan J. Sherry, son of Kathy Moreschi-Sherry and Samuel Sherry.