On a night most teens would be celebrating, 18-year-old Mykale Baker of Dacula, Georgia, chose something different… hard work over hype. Fresh off the stage at his high school graduation, dressed in his cap, gown, and medals, Baker made a quick stop at the local Burger King where he works. What happened next turned him into a viral inspiration.
Instead of grabbing food and heading off, Baker noticed his team was drowning in a rush of orders. With no hesitation… and off the clock… he threw on some gloves and jumped behind the counter to help.
“I just wanted to lend a hand,” Baker said. “It felt natural to me. I didn’t expect anything in return.” But return it did.
Customer Maria Mendoza, who witnessed the selfless act, was so blown away she recorded the moment and shared it online. The video caught fire, and Mendoza launched a crowdfunding campaign to honor Baker’s loyalty and heart. The internet responded… with over $200,000 in donations flooding in.
Baker plans to invest the money in his future, attending trade school to become a certified auto mechanic… with dreams of opening his own shop one day.
The good news didn’t stop there. The Burger King Foundation gifted Baker an additional $10,000 scholarship. Mendoza’s daughter, Daizie… also a recent high school grad… received $10,000 as well for being part of the moment.
Baker credits his work ethic to his mom, Demeshiah Scott, who always reminded him that “hard work pays off, even when no one’s watching.”
