Latest news with #BurgerKingFoundation
New York Post
5 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Burger King employee Mykale Baker who rushed to work shift after high school graduation gifted $10K scholarship from fast-food giant
A whopper of a gift. The newly graduated high school Burger King employee, who rushed to work an emergency shift still wearing his ceremonial ensemble, received a royal bonus from the burger chain's scholarship fund. Mykale Baker was gifted $10,000 from the Burger King Foundation after his feel-good story went viral —thanks in part to a local mom who noticed the teen's unusual work attire, a spokesperson told The Post. Advertisement 5 Mykale Baker poses with a giant check awarded to him from the Burger King Foundation for $10,000 in scholarship funds on June 2, 2025. Burger King Baker, dressed in the proper Burger King uniform, posed with a larger-than-life check during a recent shift at the Dacula, Ga., restaurant where he works. The check was made out to the teen with the memo 'Burger King Scholars Program.' Advertisement Baker, 18, had graduated from nearby Mills Creek High School on May 21 but rushed to work a late-night shift after seeing his coworkers were swamped, instead of celebrating his major milestone. Eagle-eyed customer and mother, Maria Mendoza, saw Baker still wearing his graduation stole and medals while bagging fries inside. She posted the short clip to TikTok, which has garnered over 4.4 million views. 5 Mykale Baker works inside the Dacula, Ga. Burger King still wearing his graduation stole and medals on May 21, 2025. GoFundMe Advertisement 5 Baker graduated from Mills Creek High School hours earlier on May 21, 2025. GoFundMe After the success of the short social media post, Mendoza started a GoFundMe for Baker. The fundraiser, titled 'From Burger King to a College Dream,' was created to celebrate Baker's dedication to his job to pay for his college expenses. It has earned over $190,500 in donations as of early Wednesday. Advertisement Baker initially planned on taking a gap year between high school and college because of financial troubles, but was considering attending a trade school after Mendoza surprised him with the fundraiser. '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,' Mendoza wrote. Mendoza was captivated by Baker's 'radiating joy' and politeness, which inspired her to start the crowdfunding campaign. '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.' The Burger King Foundation also recognized Mendoza's kindness and awarded her daughter, Daizie Chavez, with $10,000 for her future education. 5 Daizie Chavez and Mykale Baker hold up their scholarship checks inside the Georgia restaurant Baker works at. Maria Mendoza/TikTok 5 Maria Mendoza and her daughter pose for a photo with Mykale Baker and his family after they were surprised by the Burger King Foundation. Maria Mendoza/TikTok Advertisement 'We are beyond grateful and truly overwhelmed by all the love and support,' Mendoza wrote on TikTok. 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God is good.' Chavez is planning to attend Georgia State University to study neuroscience.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Burger King Foundation grants scholarships to two Springfield seniors
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Two local high school seniors are being honored with scholarships from the Burger King Foundation for their hard work. The Burger King on East Columbus Avenue in Springfield welcomed the students and their families Tuesday night to celebrate their academic achievements. Samson Oppenheim–a senior at Easthampton High School and Matt Cesaer, a senior from Hampshire Regional High School, received their scholarship certificates from the foundation. Both told 22News this recognition is a result of four years of hard work, and they are excited for what's ahead in college. Organizers Gus Rousseau and John Joe Williams say this is part of their mission to support students and their goals. 'These kids will also be able to apply next year and the year after throughout their whole scholarship,' says Rousseau. Williams adds, 'We have gotten a lot from the community—we like to give back. We've done many things with the community.' The foundation is awarding $4.2 million in scholarships to students this year across the U.S. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Social Rundown: $20K BK Foundation scholarship, talks beyond the skies, new Fruity Pebbles cereal
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Welcome back to the Social Rundown, where you can learn about the online trends happening globally and in Texoma, too! Want to get the latest tea or news on what's trending on social media? Tune in daily! Burger King Foundation Scholarship On Thursday, April 17, Cameron Whitaker, a student and a shift lead at a Burger King in Arkansas, received a gift that changed her life. Whitaker became the first recipient of a $20,000 scholarship through the Burger King Foundation. Through hard work, dedication, and support, dreams can become a reality. She now plans to continue pursuing her dreams of being a NICU nurse. Some lucky Florida students got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to talk to astronauts live in space. Magnet Innovation has been trying to connect students here on Earth with astronauts in space in the International Space Station. Although there were connectivity issues, the students were grateful for the eye-opening experience and the motivation it provided for their futures. New Fruity Pebbles cereal Hitting the shelves this month, Pebbles has their new Strawberries and Cream cereal that is deeeeeelicious! Run to your nearest supermarket for this limited-time box of flavor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bryant Burger King employee surprised with $20,000 scholarship
BRYANT, Ark. – A Bryant Burger King shift lead was surprised at work Thursday with a $20,000 scholarship to further pursue her dream of becoming a NICU nurse as she works towards her associate's degree at Pulaski Technical College. 'I told myself that going for nursing is going to be expensive and I'd take all the money I can get,' scholarship recipient Cameron Whitaker said. Southern Arkansas University announces new scholarship program Members of the Burger King Foundation, which helps community members pursue their education with undergraduate, graduate, vocational school and technical school degrees, presented Whitaker with the check. 'It was definitely a stress,' Whitaker said. 'Wondering how can I pay for it because I know it's expensive.' Whitaker became the first ever recipient of the newly established scholarship created in honor of Nancy McLamore, the late wife of Burger King co-founder Jim McLamore. 'It feels amazing,' Whitaker said while holding the check. 'You can't be anything in life without the support of others.' Fort Smith student wins $25,000 scholarship from Taco Bell Talia Gonzalez, the senior analyst of programs for the Burger King Foundation, said the money was provided by the MacLemore family and rewarded to Whitaker for her dedication as a long-time employee of the company and her academic achievements. 'When we were looking through the applications her time with us stood out and we are just really happy to be able to give her that opportunity,' Gonzalez said. Gonzalez said after hearing Whitaker's story, a baby born in a neonatal intensive care unit who wanted to jump into the same medical field, 'there was no one more deserving.' Whitaker has been an employee at the Bryant Burger King since 2021 and said the scholarship gives her hope she'll reach her 'end goal' no matter what. 'I feel like I'm on top of the world,' Whitaker said. 'Nothing is going to stop me from chasing my dream.' Music teacher, Philander Smith graduate wins Grammy award Gonzalez said over the next two years, Whitaker will also be able to apply for additional $1,000 scholarships through the foundation as she continues to pursue her education. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
