Just hours after receiving his high school diploma, 18-year-old Mykale Baker returned to his Burger King job in Dacula, Georgia, donning his grad gown and medals. Instead of celebrating with friends, he rolled up his sleeves and pitched in during a busy late-night shift, quietly showcasing dedication and humility.
His actions caught the attention of Maria Mendoza, a nearby customer who filmed Mykale working and posted the video on TikTok. The clip quickly went viral, garnering over 4.5 million views and inspiring an outpouring of support.
Mendoza launched a GoFundMe aiming to raise $60,000 for Mykale’s college tuition and expenses; donations quickly soared past $230,000. The young man’s sister praised his selflessness and work ethic, saying he never sought attention but always lent a hand.
Mykale plans to attend Gwinnett Technical College this fall to study automotive technology, with hopes of eventually opening his own mechanic shop. Burger King also contributed a $10,000 scholarship recognizing his commitment.