Teen goes viral for working at Burger King after graduation, GoFundMe raises more than $100,000

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Mykale Baker, an 18-year-old Metro Atlanta graduate, is receiving an outpouring of support after being spotted working at Burger King just moments after crossing the graduation stage.

Still dressed in his cap and gown, Baker’s quiet dedication quickly went viral. Since then, people from across the country have contributed to a GoFundMe launched in his honor, which has already far surpassed its $25,000 goal—raising nearly $100,000 to date.

Community supports MyKale Baker

“While many graduates spent the night celebrating with friends and family, one young man quietly showed the world what determination looks like. 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. We’re starting this GoFundMe to help him take the next step: college,” the GoFundMe reads.

Dedication

Baker had plenty to celebrate on May 21. The Mills Creek High School senior had just graduated, proudly wearing medals that reflected years of dedication and effort.

While many of his classmates spent the evening at family celebratory events or parties, Baker headed straight to his late-night shift at Burger King—still dressed in his graduation outfit, minus the robe.

GoFundMe

His humble display of commitment didn’t go unnoticed. Maria Mendoza, a parent of another Mills Creek graduate, happened to be dining at Burger King that evening and witnessed the moment firsthand.

Parent inspired by Mykale Baker starts GoFundMe

Inspired by his dedication, Mendoza captured a 20-second TikTok video of Baker diligently bagging orders behind the counter. The clip quickly went viral, amassing over three million views and prompting her to launch a GoFundMe campaign in his honor.

“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 said in GoFundMe.

In an interview with 11 Alive, Mendoza said “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 funds raised through the GoFundMe, moving both him and his mother to tears — a powerful moment also captured and shared on TikTok. The emotional reveal underscored how a quiet act of dedication can resonate far beyond its origin, inspiring compassion and support from people around the world.

Statement of gratitude

Baker was profoundly touched by the overwhelming show 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.

Baker hopes to attend trade school and study mechanics. Congratulations!