EASTCONN Educator Receives Prestigious Holocaust Education Award

HAMPTON, CT – Stephanie White, Grant Facilitator at EASTCONN, and Esther Soffer, former EASTCONN educator, have been selected to receive the 2025 Simon Konover Recognition for Excellence in Holocaust Education from Voices of Hope.   The award recognizes White and Soffer’s outstanding commitment to Holocaust education, particularly their work coordinating the "American Mosaic" program featuring Holocaust survivor Ruth Weiner. Over five years, this initiative has helped students understand the critical importance of remembrance and empathy, ensuring the memory of this history is never lost.   White and Soffer will be honored at The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford on February 2, 2025, alongside other Connecticut educators and Holocaust survivors. 

“I am absolutely humbled to be receiving this award,” said White. “The America’s Mosaic program was nominated for this award by our community partner and Holocaust survivor, Ruth Weiner. We would not have been able to deliver this kind of programming to our students were it not for Ruth and her dedication to sharing her story with young people. This honor brings with it a great responsibility that we all bear to continuously educate about the Holocaust to ensure that history never repeats itself.”   About Voices of Hope: Established by the families of Holocaust survivors across Connecticut, Voices of Hope’s mission is to promote a culture of courage to stand up against hatred through Holocaust and genocide education and remembrance. The Simon Konover Recognition for Excellence in Holocaust Education award recognizes educators who have shown their passion for Holocaust education.