DACULA, Ga. — Just hours after walking across the stage to receive his high school diploma, Mykale Baker was back at work, still wearing his graduation medals, ready to serve up 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 come from watching her daughter, Daisy, graduate. Beaming with pride, she pulled into the drive-thru to grab a late-night snack. But when she saw Mykale, something about the moment stuck with her.

“He was so kind, so polite,” she said. “Radiating joy, even after such a big day. His dedication and quiet strength really moved me. I felt called to do something to recognize that.”

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.”

UPDATE: Here’s how much the fundraiser is up to now

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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