EVANSTON, Ill. —  National Merit Scholarship Corporation officials have announced the names of  semifinalists in the 59th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

The academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,000 National Merit Scholarships worth about $35 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level.

About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and more than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

Area winners are:

Auburn: Edward Little High School, Chanta Pelletier.

Jay: Spruce Mountain High School, North Campus, Erik R. Taylor.

Paris: Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, Kieran H. Sadler.

Readfield: Maranacook Community School, Nicholas D. Barnes.

Sabattus: homeschooled,  Emma Schalk.