GRADUATION

Burke Mountain Academy is proud to announce that Thomas Erhard ’84, our Head U16 Coach and longtime leader in the sport of alpine skiing, will serve as the Commencement Speaker for the Class of 2025.

A proud Burkie, Thomas graduated from BMA in 1984 and went on to earn his degree in Psychology from the University of Vermont. Over the course of a 30-year coaching career, he has left his mark at every level of the sport—from club programs and academies to the U.S. Ski Team and World Cup circuit. His experience includes coaching at World Championships, Junior Worlds, and the 1998 Nagano Olympics, where he worked with athletes such as Ted Ligety, Andrew Weibrecht, and Steven Nyman. Before returning to Burke, he spent several years coaching in Norway at Dønski Toppidrett and Gjettum.

Since rejoining the BMA staff five years ago, Thomas has had a significant impact on the program and its athletes, especially the Class of 2025. Many of them trained with him during their U16 years, and the relationships formed have evolved into lasting mentorships and friendships. Under his leadership, the team has risen to national prominence, earning recognition as one of the strongest U16 groups in the country.

“When Nick Heinrich ’25 asked me to be the Graduation Speaker, I was genuinely moved—it brought me to tears. It’s an honor I’ve hoped for since returning to BMA as a coach. I’ve known many members of this class since their 8th-grade year, and I had the privilege of coaching most of them during their U16 seasons. Over time, those coaching relationships have grown into something deeper—genuine mentorships and lasting friendships. This class means a great deal to me.”

Please join us in celebrating Thomas Erhard as this year’s Commencement Speaker, and in honoring the Class of 2025 as they prepare to cross the finish line at Burke and begin their next chapter.