Burger King employee who worked last-minute shift in graduation clothes after his high school ceremony gets $22K in donations

Sky News AU

2 days ago

From walking the line to working it!
A freshly graduated Georgia high schooler collected his diploma and got back to work slinging burgers at Burger King just hours after the ceremony– inspiring a local mom to raise thousands for his college education.
Mykale Baker picked up a shift at the Dacula, Georgia, restaurant where he worked after seeing the late-night rush on May 21.
The 18-year-old had graduated from Mills Creek High School hours earlier and was still wearing his graduation stole and medals while donning plastic gloves to bag orders at the fast food joint.
Baker's attire caught the attention of eagle-eyed customer, Maria Mendoza, who recorded a TikTok of the hard-working employee who decided to hustle and delay his well-earned summer vacation.
'While many graduates spent the night celebrating with friends and family, one young man quietly showed the world what determination looks like,' Mendoza wrote on GoFundMe. 'Just after receiving his diploma—still proudly wearing his medals—he reported to his shift at Burger King.'
Mendoza's drive-thru interaction with Baker took place around 10 p.m. after she saw her daughter graduate from the same Hoschton school located about 40 miles northeast of Atlanta.
Mendoza's 20-second clip of Baker has been viewed over 3 million times.
'He didn't do it for attention. He doesn't even know his story went viral. But thousands of people were moved by his dedication, humility, and work ethic,' she wrote.
Mendoza was captivated by Baker's 'radiating joy' and politeness, which inspired her to start the crowdfunding campaign.
The GoFundMe has garnered over $22,000 ($34,000 AUD), and all the money will be given to Baker so he can pursue his college dreams.
'His dedication and quiet strength really moved me. I felt called to do something to recognize that,' she told 11 Alive. 'I'm just grateful I got to do something for him.'
On May 26, Mendoza returned to the Burger King and showed Baker the thousands of dollars raised for his future.
The teen was brought to tears over the generosity of the nearly thousand donors and offered hugs to both his mother and Mendoza in a second heartfelt video posted to TikTok.
Baker revealed the uncertainty he faced post-graduation because of financial restrictions, but was hoping to go to a trade school.
'Thank you so much, I was thinking of taking a gap year because I didn't have money for school, but thank you to all of you now, I might actually go straight to technical college and get my mechanical (sic),' he said, addressing Mendoza's TikTok followers.
'I never thought this would happen to me, I'm very thankful,' Baker added, fighting through tears.
Originally published as Burger King employee who worked last-minute shift in graduation clothes after his high school ceremony gets $34,000 in donations