The 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program has announced the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, including several students from area high schools.

The semifinalists from Cape Elizabeth High School are Natalie Gale, McCarthy Huffard, Wesley Parker and James Planinsek.

Those from Scarborough High are Adam Desveaux, Rachel Ferrante, David Flewelling, Evan Kane and Isaac Sparks-Willey.

Semifinalists from South Portland High are Caroline Laber-Smith and Ellen Stanton.

The nationwide pool of semifinalists, represents less than 1 percent of high school seniors across the nation and includes only the highest scoring entrants in each state, according to the National Merit Scholarship Program.