Burger King Employee Gifted Over $40K In Donations After Working On Graduation Day
A Georgia teenager has been gifted over $40K, and counting, in GoFundMe donations after working a Burger King shift in his graduation clothes.
Eighteen-year-old Mykale Baker of Georgia, had every reason to celebrate on May 21. The Mills Creek High School senior had just walked across the graduation stage, donning medals earned through years of hard work.
But instead of heading to parties or family gatherings like many of his peers, Baker reported to his late-night shift at Burger King — still in his graduation attire, minus the robe.
His quiet act of dedication didn't go unnoticed. Maria Mendoza, a fellow Mills Creek parent whose daughter graduated that same day, happened to be a customer that night.
Struck by the young man's work ethic, she recorded a 20-second TikTok video of him bagging orders behind the counter. The clip quickly went viral, racking up over three million views and inspiring Mendoza to start a GoFundMe campaign for Baker.
'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.'
'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 added.
Mendoza later told 11 Alive, 'His dedication and quiet strength really moved me. I felt called to do something to recognize that. I'm just grateful I got to do something for him.'
On May 26, Mendoza surprised Baker with the donations raised, bringing both him and his mother to tears — a moment that was also shared on TikTok. The emotional reveal served as a reminder of how a simple act of commitment can ripple across the internet and touch countless lives.
Baker, who hopes to attend trade school and study mechanics, was deeply moved by the outpouring of support.
'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,' he said to Mendoza's TikTok followers.
'I never thought this would happen to me, I'm very thankful,' Baker added, fighting through tears. The moment was the culmination of a feel-good story that reminds us that work ethic and hustle doesn't go unnoticed and can be rewarded when we least expect it.
VIBE extends our congratulations to Mykale Brown and the rest of the graduates of the Class of '25.
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