High School Grad Goes Viral Working at Burger King in Cap and Gown, Earns Huge Support

In a heartwarming display of grit and determination, Mykale Baker, a recent high school graduate from Dacula, Georgia, has captured the internet's attention by showing up to his shift at Burger King still dressed in his cap and gown. Just hours after walking across the stage at Mills Creek High School on May 21, Baker was back at work, stuffing onion rings into containers during a busy night shift. What started as a quick stop to share his graduation pride with co-workers turned into a viral moment of pure hustle.

A video captured by customer Maria Mendoza, whose daughter graduated alongside Baker, exploded on TikTok, racking up nearly 700,000 likes. The clip shows the young man hard at work, his graduation regalia a striking contrast to the fast-food counter. Comments poured in, praising his work ethic with sentiments like "Hustlers don't stop, they keep going" and predictions of a bright future ahead.

But the story doesn’t end with online applause. Moved by Baker’s humility, Mendoza launched a GoFundMe that has raised nearly $200,000 from over 5,500 donors to support his educational dreams. Originally planning a gap year to save for college, Baker can now pursue automotive technology studies this fall. Adding to the celebration, the Burger King Foundation surprised him with a $10,000 scholarship on June 3, presented with a giant check at his workplace. Mendoza’s daughter, Daizie Chavez, also received a $10,000 scholarship for her neuroscience studies.

This isn’t just a story about a viral video—it’s a reminder of what dedication looks like. While many graduates celebrated with parties, Baker quietly showed the world that success starts with showing up, no matter the occasion. His journey from flipping burgers to chasing dreams is a powerful testament to the idea that hard work, even in the humblest of settings, can open unexpected doors.