DACULA, Ga. — Mere hours after proudly receiving his high school diploma, Mykale Baker returned to his job, still adorned with his graduation medals, ready to serve customers burgers and fries at Burger King.

While many of his classmates celebrated late into the night, Mykale clocked in for his shift with a smile.

It was that smile, and his quiet dedication, that stopped Maria Mendoza in her tracks.

Maria had just witnessed her daughter, Daisy, graduate. Filled with pride, she drove into the drive-thru for a late-night meal. When she encountered Mykale, the experience left a lasting impression on her.

“He was remarkably kind and incredibly polite,” she recalled. “He exuded happiness, even following such an important event. His commitment and quiet resilience genuinely inspired me. I knew I had to acknowledge that in some way.”

She decided to start a GoFundMe to help Mykale with his college expenses.

And the community showed up.

In just a few days, the fundraiser brought in more than $20,000. (This story initially said $6,000, but Maria called and said it’s now up to $20,000). Maria returned to that same Burger King to surprise Mykale with the donation, and the reunion left them both in tears.

“I’m just grateful I got to do something for him,” she said. “He inspired me.”

She found out later that Mykale wasn’t even scheduled to work that night. But when he saw the orders backing up on the screen after graduation, he jumped right in to help. 

Now, she hopes Mykale’s story inspires others, to notice good kids, to honor hard work, and to lead with kindness.

Congratulations, Mykale, your future is bright, and the world is lucky to have you in it.

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