Lori Ann (Laux) Johnson ’75 Memorial Scholarship

The Pius X Foundation and Pius X High School extends their gratitude to the family Lori (Laux) Johnson for the establishment of an endowed scholarship in her name. The Lori Ann (Laux) Johnson ’75 Memorial Scholarship will forever be a lasting legacy to a Pius X alumna who was known for helping others and making them smile in times of trouble. The scholarship, which is now endowed with the Pius X Foundation, will provide a yearly tuition scholarship to a student or students in financial need.

Lori Ann (Laux) Johnson was born March 2, 1957 to John and Jean Laux, and was the first of four children. Lori and her three siblings all graduated from Pius X-Lori in 1975, Larry Laux in 1978,Lisa (Laux) Schafers in 1983,and Tammi (Laux) Rea in 1984.

Although Lori passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on May 10, 2014, her legacy of helping people and making them laugh in times of trouble will never be forgotten. She always took the time to listen when friends would call. She would never judge others for their actions, but rather would empathize, support and encourage those that needed a shoulder to lean on.

Lori touched the heart of so many people, even strangers she had never met before. Lori lived to help others as Jesus challenged each one of us to do. She would stop and take the time to help someone in need. Whether someone had a problem or just wanted to share some good news, Lori always stopped what she was doing to listen and engage in conversation.

Lori loved to travel and see the world, especially taking cruises and admiring the splendor of God’s creation in the mountains and canyons. While at home, she took pride in using her creative talents to knit blankets, and make Christmas decorations and little crosses made with ribbon. She loved to give out those crosses to people, especially those in need of a piece of God’s reminder that everything will be okay.

Lori made sure that grace was said at every meal, even when out having dinner with close friends and family. She took her faith in the Lord seriously and was devoted to her family and husband. She so loved her family, especially her Dad and brother Larry, who were always there for her as role models of how to live life and be kind to others.

Lori’s friends and family all remember her in their own ways, but they all agree that Lori provided inspiration, peace and joy to everyone she met and touched. Her unforgettable lasting legacy is what she used to say when ending a call or conversation: “I hope you have the Best Day Ever!”That is all she ever wanted to do: to make people smile and feel good about themselves.

Excerpts from student thank you letters

“I am honored to receive the Lori Ann (Laux) Johnson Memorial Scholarship. Thanks to your generosity, I am able to attend Pius X.

I am a 9th grader at Pius X. I have two sisters and one brother, who go to Cathedral. I play the flute in the band. My favorite subjects in school are science and math. I like to solve problems and learn more about the world we live in. I like Pius X because I feel like I am part of a big family and I get to learn more about my faith. When I am older I want to be a doctor and help people. I think it is important to help and be kind to people. Lori Ann’s story has inspired me to make a difference whenever I can.”

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“I am one of seven children….This scholarship means so much to our family as it offsets the cost of our Catholic education, which my parents value over anything else. We all appreciate your generosity.

I hope to study Accounting or Sports Management when I graduate from Pius. I am currently looking at attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or UNK. I am excited about my future in these fields, and know that Pius will prepare me well!

Thank you for your incredible generosity! I hope that I have done and will do many things that will honor Lori’s legacy. May God bless you today and always, and “I hope you have the best day ever!”