More than 130 Lincoln-Way East High School students were inducted into the Pi Sigma Pi history honor society Thursday night (May 3).

The students were nominated by their social science teachers based on their grades and enthusiasm for history.

“Students must truly earn their membership,” said John Cupp, the faculty sponsor of Pi Sigma Pi at Lincoln-Way East High School.

That means giving up time from other activities to further their study of history, he added.

Pi Sigma Pi is one of only three honor societies at Lincoln-Way, making it one of the only extra-curricular activities in which students have to earn their membership.

After students are nominated for the honor by their teachers, they must complete a membership application and demonstrate they are enthusiastic about the study of history.

As members of Pi Sigma Pi, students have an opportunity to meet after school once a month to discuss current events, participate in discussions led by guest speakers and debate ideas with their teachers at round table discussions.

They also have an opportunity to take a field trip to a state historic site. This year, they visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Old State Capitol and Lincoln’s Tomb in Springfield.

“One of the best things about Pi Sigma Pi is that it provides opportunities to learn more about the world around (us),” said Lincoln-Way East senior and Pi Sigma Pi President Sarah Price.

She congratulated students for their efforts and wished them luck in the future.

Cupp praised students for their dedication to history and taking on two community service projects this year by hosting two Make A Difference Movie Nights, raising more than $1,000 in donations for the local food pantry.

“I could not be more proud of this group,” he said.