For many families, the Holy Angels experience spans generations. For the Burke family, that legacy began with Robbie Ramstack Dircks '62 and has continued through her children and grandchildren. Each generation has built on the one before it, creating lasting memories, lifelong friendships, and a deep connection to the school. 

How it All Began

Robbie's family moved from Reno, Nevada, to Minneapolis before her senior year of high school; a recommendation from the priest at Incarnation Parish led her to the Academy of Holy Angels. Soon, she officially became an “Angie”, playing basketball and forming deep friendships and bonds with her fellow students. More than 60 years later, she and several classmates still meet monthly for lunch and bridge!

Robbie knew she wanted her own children to have the same excellent education she received, and knew AHA would provide them with the strong academics and caring community that had meant so much to her. Today, two of her children, Rebecca Rocheford Davies '84 and Deb Rocheford Burke '86, and six of her grandchildren, Seamus '14, Patrick '16, Brendan '19, and Declan Burke '22, and Paul '22 and Sam Kamin '24, are AHA alumni.

“Seeing AHA’s impact on my family and countless others has been a profound experience,” Robbie reflected. “It has been special to see how the school has grown while remaining true to the academic, social, and spiritual values that left a mark on my family and me.”

Co-Stars for Life

As the daughter of an AHA alumna, attending AHA was a natural choice for Deb. During her time at Holy Angels, Deb was involved in basketball, volleyball, theater, and student council. She loved the friends she made and seeing herself and her peers pushed to discover their strengths. AHA set Deb on track for her future in many ways, most importantly by bringing her and her husband Jim Burke ‘85 together. 

Jim’s family had moved to the Twin Cities from New Jersey after his sophomore year of high school. Jim quickly found a new home at AHA, making fast friends on the basketball court and the baseball field. Deb and Jim first got to know each other through mutual friends, and some four decades later, the rest is history.

"AHA has been a thread weaving through our lives for more than forty years," Deb said. "From college to marriage, to parenthood, the friendships we made there have remained."

When it came time to choose a high school for their children, Deb and Jim always had AHA in their minds. 

"We sent our children to Holy Angels because of how much we valued our time as students there," Deb shared. "We were guided by truly dedicated faculty and coaches, grew in our faith, and made lifelong friendships in a kind, inclusive environment that made students feel they were part of something special."

Today, all four of their sons, Seamus, Patrick, Brendan, and Declan, are Holy Angels alumni.

STARS of the Next Generation 

During their time at AHA, the Burke brothers made memories in the classroom, on the sports field, and on stage. Seamus and Declan performed in theater productions, while Patrick and Brendan honed athletic skills in basketball and baseball. Each made amazing memories and lifelong friends at AHA and credits their AHA education with preparing them for college and their careers. 

Today, Seamus has come full circle, serving as Holy Angels' Marketing and Communications Specialist. He met his wife, Jamie (Schumacher) Burke '14, while participating in theater at AHA, another reminder of how deeply the school has shaped his life.

Reflecting on his role, Seamus says, "I see my role as telling the AHA story to our alumni, current families, and future STARS. It’s a privilege to share the amazing work of our students, staff, and faculty. AHA has been an amazing place for my family and me, and I hope that in showcasing the great work that goes on here every day, more families will be able to have the incredible experiences that we have had."