A whopper of a gift.
The high school graduate and Burger King employee, who hurried to cover an emergency shift in his graduation gown, was awarded a substantial bonus from the burger chain’s scholarship fund.
Mykale Baker was awarded $10,000 by the Burger King Foundation after his heartwarming story spread online, aided by a local mother who observed his striking work attire, a spokesperson informed The Post.
Baker, donning a Burger King uniform, was photographed holding an oversized check during a recent shift at the Dacula, Ga., location where he is employed.
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 coworkers were swamped, instead of celebrating his major 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.
After 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, with $10,000 for her future education.
“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.
