A whopper of a gift.
The new high school graduate who jumped in at the last minute to help his co-workers at Burger King while he was still wearing his ceremonial ensemble received a royal bonus from the fast-food 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.
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 KingBaker, 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.”
Baker, 18, had graduated from nearby Mills Creek High School on May 21 but rushed to work a late-night shift after seeing his co-workers were swamped, instead of celebrating his 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.
Mykale Baker works inside the Dacula, Ga., Burger King still wearing his graduation stole and medals on May 21, 2025. GoFundMe
Baker graduated from Mills Creek High School hours earlier on May 21, 2025. GoFundMeAfter 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.
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, $10,000 for her future education.
Daizie Chavez and Mykale Baker hold up their scholarship checks inside the Georgia restaurant where Baker works. Maria Mendoza/TikTok
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“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.
