On Thursday, Sept. 4, The Rev. Dr. Stefanie Taylor, head chaplain and Primary School chaplain, was inducted into The White Rose Society during Upper School Chapel. The service featured a thoughtful sermon by Simone Brunson '26 and culminated in this special recognition of Mother Taylor, honoring her dedication to creating a safe, inclusive and loving environment for Jewish students, faculty and staff.

Mother Taylor was nominated for this honor by Kate Kratovil, Horizons Atlanta at HIES site director. Ms. Kratovil spoke warmly about Mother Taylor and introduced representatives from The White Rose Society, who formally presented her with a rose. "The White Rose Society" pays homage to a group of non-Jewish student resisters at the University of Munich during World War II, and today honors non-Jewish individuals who have become beacons of hope for the Jewish people.

"I nominated Mother Taylor for her compassionate and inclusive leadership. In moments of personal grief, she was a caring friend and ally who stood by my side. Over the last few years, she has stood by our Jewish faculty, staff and students by valuing our school’s diversity and seeing the dignity in every individual," Ms. Kratovil said.

The ceremony concluded with a blessing for Mother Taylor offered by Rabbi Steven Rau of The Temple Atlanta, followed by remarks from Mother Taylor about the significance of the honor.

"This is so meaningful. I'm very honored to receive this award, and I just want to say thank you to The White Rose Society, to Ms. Kratovil, to the Jewish faculty, the Jewish students and to all of you, for recognizing that love and justice and peace are things worth awarding," Mother Taylor said.

Please join us in congratulating Mother Taylor on this special honor, and thanking her for her efforts to "draw the circle wide" and create a welcoming space for everyone at HIES.