Forty high school students were inducted into the International Thespian Society, the honor society for the dramatic arts. The Dec. 9 ceremony, held in the school auditorium, marked the inaugural ITS induction for Islip.

Students are eligible for the Society, which was founded 90 years ago, if they accumulate a sufficient number of points, which are awarded for performance, writing, technical work and other theatrical endeavors. Members are entitled to participate in national events and local workshops, and pledge to share their love of theater.

The new ITS chapter also awarded an honorary membership to Dr. Ellen Semel, Islip’s superintendent, in recognition of her ongoing support of the theater program in the district.