[Mediawiki-l] Batch adding 100 users?

[Frank Fulchiero]

I have a wiki where all can read, but you need an account, and need  
to log in, to edit. This is in version 1.5.4
Only the sysop can create accounts.
I have to add over a hundred different students, all with the same  
initial password, with edit privileges, i.e.:

John Smith, pw Tools1
Deborah Jane, pw Tools1
Gary Neuros, pw Tools1

Up to now, I have added users by logging in as WikiSysop, then go to  
Special Pages, create an account, and enter the new account.
However, I am then in that person's account, and have to log out  
before logging in as WikiSysop again.
This can get tedious with 100 new accounts.
Is there any way to automate or batch-import a list of new users?

Thanks,
Frank Fulchiero
Digital Media Specialist
Connecticut College