A Georgia teen went viral after working at Burger King in his graduation outfit. Now, thanks to a GoFundMe campaign, he’s received $22,000 to pursue college.
From Graduation Stage to Burger King Shift
After receiving his high school diploma, 18-year-old Mykale Baker didn’t go to a party or dinner celebration. Instead, he went straight to work at Burger King in Dacula, Georgia—still dressed in his graduation stole and medals.
That quiet act of responsibility caught the eye of Maria Mendoza, a customer who had just come from her own daughter’s graduation. She filmed a short TikTok clip of Mykale working the drive-thru in full graduation attire.
The 20-second video quickly went viral, earning more than 3 million views and touching hearts across the country.
A Viral Video Sparks Generosity
Moved by his dedication, Maria Mendoza started a GoFundMe campaign to help Mykale pursue his dream of going to college. Within just a few days, the fundraiser collected over $22,000 from nearly 1,000 donors.
On May 26, Maria surprised Mykale at his workplace with the news. The emotional teen hugged his mother and Maria, overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers who wanted to support his future.
A New Path Forward
Before the fundraiser, Mykale thought he might need to delay college due to financial struggles. Now, with the donations, he plans to attend a technical college and study mechanics.
“Thank you so much,” he said, fighting back tears. “I might actually go straight to college now.”
A Story of Resilience and Community
What began as a routine shift at Burger King turned into a story of resilience, humility, and hope. Mykale’s journey shows the value of hard work and how a supportive community can change someone’s life.