Plano Nonprofit Founder Lawrence Mann Featured in Lay’s Campaign

This weekend Plano resident Lawrence Mann had the highly unusual experience of seeing his own smile displayed across dozens of bags of Lay’s potato chips in a local convenience store.

“It was crazy and surreal,” said Lawrence. “I still can’t believe it.”

Lawrence Mann with his “Smile with Lay’s” chip bags // photos courtesy TopAchievers Foundation

Lawrence is one of a handful of people being featured on select flavors of Lay’s chips across the U.S. as part of its “Smile with Lays” campaign. Frito-Lay created the campaign in 2018, selling over 100 million bags of chips and donating over $1 million to Operation Smile, which funds pediatric smile surgeries across the world.

Lawrence was nominated by a friend for his work for Plano-based TopAchievers Foundation, a nonprofit he founded that provides students with athletic, academic and leadership development opportunities. After his own son survived a life-threatening surgery as a child, Lawrence dedicated his life to improving the lives of young people.

“I made a pledge to God that I would give my life to the next generation,” Lawrence said.

7th grader Xavier Miller, a player for the TopAchievers Pistons, dribbles past his defender at a Dallas Mavericks basketball tournament in October

He created TopAchievers Foundation in 1996. Since then thousands of students have gone through the program, and 95% of TopAchievers kids have gone on to enroll in college.

The nonprofit organization’s sports teams dominate in local, regional and national tournaments, while also winning AAU and Primetime Nationals. TopAchievers also provides students with a safe place to spend their time outside of school and exposure to positive, supportive role models.

Lawrence with TopAchievers student Danivia Abron on signing day at Plano West Senior High; she received a full scholarship to play basketball at Grayson Junior College
Lawrence with TopAchievers student Danivia Abron on signing day at Plano West Senior High; she received a full scholarship to play basketball at Grayson Junior College
Volunteers assisting TopAchievers students at a Collin College STEAM workshop sponsored by the Plano North Metroplex (TX) Chapter of the Links Incorporated

Lawrence also works as an at-risk specialist in Plano Independent School District and has helped develop additional programs there that positively impact boys and girls.

“I am so honored to be a part of this nationwide campaign,” said Lawrence. “Just like Lay’s, my organization TopAchievers is helping the lives of young people every day.

Post your own pics with #SmilewithTopAchievers

TopAchievers Foundation is encouraging North Texas residents to post their own photos with the chip bags using #WhyISmile and #SmilewithTopAchievers.

To learn more about TopAchievers or to make a donation, please visit topachieversplano.org.

TopAchievers Foundation >
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