Five Cape Elizabeth High School students have been cited for their performance in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship program.

Students recognized as semifinalists will continue in the competition for Merit Scholarship awards to be offered next spring. Commended Students are recognized for the exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the qualifying test.

Cape semifinalists are Jonathan G. Aronson, son of Jennifer and Frederick Aronson, and Michael S. Taintor, son of Colleen and Christopher Taintor.

Commended students are Ryan C. Boyington, son of Jody and Roger Boyington; Michael J. Long, son of Susan LoGiudice and Roger Long;

and Rachel L. Muscat, daughter of Sarah and Paul Muscat.

More than 1.5 million students entered the 2009 Merit Program when they were juniors by taking the PSAT, which served as an initial screen 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.