On Apr. 21, friends and family gathered at the Richland Ballroom to celebrate the first annual Xavia Pirozzi Bull Roast.

The event was intended to raise money for the new Xavia Pirozzi scholarship, which was established in memory of Xavia Pirozzi who died from lymphoma cancer in March 2012. At the bull roast, there was food, desserts, beverages, music, prize wheels, a raffle, and a silent auction. A picture slideshow of Xavia throughout her life was playing to the song “Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney as guests entered the event.

According to Campus Minister Patti Murphy Dohn, “we are committed to keeping Xavia’s memory alive in the heart of JC. This scholarship fund will benefit our students in the years to come and will be a wonderful tribute to Xavia and her legacy.”

Amy Meyerl, mother of sophomore Emily Meyerl, was in charge of organizing the bull roast. Meyerl also chaired the bone marrow screening in December 2011 for Pirozzi. “Over 900 people came to the [bone marrow screening] at St. Joseph’s parish center in Fullerton,” Murphy Dohn said.

During the bull roast, Xavia’s family addressed the crowd to thank them for their attendance. Xavia’s grandmother, Joanna Pirozzi, offered up a prayer before handing the microphone to Xavia’s mother, Nicci Pirozzi. “We think about her every day,” Nicci said with eyes full of tears.

Among the JC guests were Principal Madelyn Ball, Fine Arts teacher Mike Shupe, Russian teacher Edward Miller, and President Richard O’ Hara. “It made me feel good that so many people were there [at the bull roast] for her and her family,” Shupe said. “I miss Xavia’s wit and smile. She was very quiet but she knew what was going on. She wasn’t very active [due to her health], but she had a passion for photography. She was a sweetheart.”

The bull roast started at 2 p.m. and ended around 5:30 p.m. right after the silent auction finished. The items awarded included a stay at the Gramercy mansion, artwork, a Pandora bracelet, Ravens and Orioles packages, and a pair of Justin Bieber concert tickets.

According to bull roast guest Maureen McGillick, “the love in the room is my favorite thing here today.”

Guest Patrick Beall didn’t personally know Pirozzi, but still came and supported her legacy. “I didn’t know her, but I had a sister that died from cancer so this was special for me.”

In total, the bull roast made over $8,000 and the volunteers are planning on continuing this event for many years down the road. Xavia’s three younger siblings will be attending JC next year as freshmen.

Lauren Fabiszak and Haley Kyger are In-Depth Editor and Sports Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.