In the small town of Spanish Fork, a young man named Samuel “Berky” Berky has made a significant impact through his involvement in the Wrecked Neck Racing Mentorship Program. This nonprofit demolition derby program, which started in 2022, has provided countless students with the opportunity to learn valuable skills and experience the thrill of the derby. Berky’s story is one of dedication, resilience and triumph, encapsulating the very spirit of the program.
Berky’s journey with the Wrecked Neck Racing Mentorship Program began at the very inception of the program in 2022. As a student in the welding class at Maple Mountain High School, he joined the program with his peers, eager to put his skills to the test. His initial role was on the pit crew for his friend’s demolition derby team. Together, they contributed to building a demolition derby car – a task that demanded teamwork, technical knowledge, and a passion for racing. The hard work paid off when Berky’s team won the first ever high school heat. This was a moment of pride and celebration for everyone involved.
The summer of 2022 brought a special highlight to Berky’s journey when Alex Cabrero from KSL came to cover the program. Berky stepped up as a spokesperson for his team, courageously facing the camera when his friend felt too nervous to do so. This appearance, however, led to an unexpected challenge. The school district mistakenly believed that Berky was going to drive a demolition derby car, which almost resulted in the shutdown of the program. Fortunately, with clarifications that Berky was part of the pit crew and not driving, the program continued.
Fast forward three years, and Berky’s dedication to the Wrecked Neck Racing Mentorship Program has come full circle. In a moment of pure joy and accomplishment, Berky drove his very own demolition derby car, which he meticulously built, to victory, winning first place. This triumph marked the culmination of years of hard work, learning, and perseverance.
Berky’s accomplishments extend far beyond the demolition derby arena. During his time at Maple Mountain High School from 2021 to 2024, he specialized in Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes, showcasing his skills in various projects and competitions. As a sophomore, he created a log press for a welding expo, and in his junior year, he represented the school’s SkillsUSA team with a job skill demo, where he demonstrated buffing and polishing a car panel, securing fourth place in Utah.
Berky’s junior and senior years were particularly impressive. He worked on an ambitious project for the Utah Valley Welding Expo, building a Ford F150 Power Wheels that he diesel and turbo swapped, eventually earning third place in a tractor pull competition. Additionally, he constructed a weld sculpture for SkillsUSA and achieved third place in Utah. His leadership qualities were evident as he attended SkillsUSA leadership conferences and served as an officer, representing Maple Mountain High School with pride.
Outside of his school achievements, Berky also attended the Advanced Learning Center (ALC) in Salem, where he took Collision Repair and Automotive Technician courses, further honing his technical skills. His commitment to community service was demonstrated through his Eagle Scout project, where he organized a book drive to collect books for libraries and literacy centers in Ghana, Africa.
Berky’s talents extended to the arts as well. He was a dedicated member of the Maple Mountain High School band all four years, playing the bass drum in his freshman year and the quad drums from sophomore to senior year. He also participated in all four winter seasons, showcasing his musical talents.
In addition to his academic and extracurricular activities, Berky launched his own business, Berky’s Mobile Motorcycle Detailing, in 2022. His entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic are commendable.
