Academy of Holy Angels

Academy of Holy Angels
Academy of Holy Angels
Location
	Richfield, Minnesota; USA
Information
Type	Private
Motto	Confident. Prepared. Connected in faith.
Established	September 15, 1931
Enrollment	850
Color(s)	Royal and Vegas Gold
Mascot	Stars
Affiliations	Catholic
Information	612-798-2600
Website	http://www.ahastars.org/

The Academy of Holy Angels is a Catholic, coeducational high school educating more than 850 students in grades nine through 12 from the Twin Cities metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Minnesota. A nationally recognized college preparatory school, it offers a rigorous, broad-based curriculum and numerous opportunities to excel in co-curricular activities, arts and athletics. Holy Angels welcomes students of all racial and religious backgrounds.

AHA Mission Statement

The AHA Community The Academy of Holy Angels is a Catholic, coeducational high school community consisting of students, professional staff, parents, alumni and friends who are actively committed to a common goal: educating each student for life. Mindful that each of us is created in God's image, we respect each other, we serve those in need, we embrace each other's differences, and we are welcoming to those who wish to interact with our community.

Mission

The mission of the Academy of Holy Angels is to educate and nurture a diverse student population so that each student, as a whole person, may achieve full potential to excel intellectually, to live spiritually, to lead responsibly, to act justly, and to serve selflessly.

Values

Members of the Academy's Community:

Create a caring faith community dedicated to the message of Jesus Christ and His life of service.
Respect, embrace, and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual in creating a spirit of community among students, parents, staff, alumni, and friends of the Academy.
Enhance personal growth and promote excellence and leadership through broad-based curricular programs.
Partner with parents in the students' educational experiences.
Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for members of the Academy community.

History

1930's

September 15, 1931 marked the opening of a beautiful building out in the country south of Minneapolis. In the midst of the cornfields the Academy of the Holy Angels came into being. The Sisters of St. Joseph made many sacrifices in order to bring to reality their dream of a girls' school in south Minneapolis. It was during the worst of the depression that they struggled to make the Academy a successful and viable community. Sister Eugenia, CSJ was the first principal. The enrollment of 107 students in grades 1-12 grew to 182 by the end of the 1931-32 school year. Tuition was $40 for grades 1-8; $50 for grades 9-12. Boarders at all grade levels paid $185 for a double room and $245 for a private room. The boarders' dining room, now the commons, had formal table settings with china and silverware. Meals were served family style. Table manners were very important and formalities were observed. High School students helped serve younger girls. During these early days, because the building was so new and so beautiful, many visitors came to tour the school. The grade school was located in what is now known as the "M" building. In the high school wing students passed between classes in silence, or at least they were supposed to. Daily Mass was celebrated in St. John the Evangelist Chapel which was dedicated on September 29, 1931. However, it was not all work and no play at AHA. In addition to Sister Beata's formal English garden in the courtyard, there were tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course on the grounds. Also, an area was flooded for ice skating during the winter. The school was accredited in 1932. The first graduating class of 1932 had 13 members. They graduated in white formals with traditional red roses. White caps and gowns became a tradition in 1934. In 1935 Sister Laurent, CSJ established the Alumnae Association which continues today under direction of Claudette Allingham. Today most of their efforts are directed toward communication, reunions, special events for alumni and the annual alumni phonathon.

1940's and 1950's

With the onset of World War II, publication of the yearbook, The Angelus, was suspended due to the shortage of materials. They have since begun again The Angelus as well as the school newspaper, The Achoan. In 1946 when St. Peter's Parish opened next door and established an elementary parish school, AHA closed its elementary grades. The 1950's saw many firsts. The 1952-53 school year was the last year for boarders at AHA. Nineteen fifty-three marked the beginning of AHA solely as a day school. The Mary Medal was instituted in honor of the Marian year in 1954. This award is presented annually to a young woman in the graduating class who best exemplifies qualities of Christian living. The first musical "Rise and Shine,: written by Patricia Connell, one of the teachers, was put on in the spring of 1956. This was the first of many outstanding musical productions at Holy Angels.

1960's, 1970's, 1980's

The biggest change of all occurred in September of 1972. The Academy became a co-educational school. That year there were 84 freshman boys, 38 sophomores and six juniors. These six grew to 10 by the time they graduated in 1974, the first co-ed class. In 1974 the St. Thomas Moore Medal equivalent to the Mary Medal was instituted. The class of 1976 was the first full four-year co-ed class. With the coming of boys, one other big change was seen. The Angies became the co*Stars and varsity athletics was born. From this small beginning the athletic program has grown to a very competitive program of 33 teams representing 18 varsity sports for both girls and boys. Through the efforts of many dedicated people, a much needed Community Activities building was constructed in 1980. The building was dedicated on Sunday, Dec. 14, 1980 with a liturgy celebrated by Bishop Ham and the AHA community.

References

Academy of Holy Angels. Retrieved June 27, 2006.

External links

Official Website

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