By The Somerville Times Staff

Hopes are high for the students and staff at Somerville’s Next Wave and Full Circle Alternative School. For nineteen years their annual tree lot fundraiser has provided a wonderful service to students, the community, and the school. However, last year many trees were left over due to inclement weather and the school suffered a loss. This year the staff and students are optimistic.

The lot raises money for the school and proceeds go to supporting student activities, trips, scholarships, and behavioral management programs. Solely operated by teachers and students, they volunteer their time on evenings and weekends. “I’m glad that we are standing in the cold for a good cause, the school benefits immensely from this fundraiser and I am glad I am apart of it,” said Vera Ventura, a first year media teacher at NW/FC.

The tree lot is a combination of community service and hands-on business training for the students who have volunteered to sell trees and wreaths at Foss Park. It is a great learning experience for students, and they are happy to keep the tips. “It taught me how to have responsibility and be respectful to customers who appreciate when I cut the stump, put the tree into the car…I tie a mean knot” said Terrell McCall, a 12th grade student at Full Circle.

Despite the loss last year, they haven’t raised their prices. Trees start at $19 and go up to $49. Students unloaded 250 healthy trees raised by Wilson Farms, Lexington last week. The trees are being sold until December 22, between 4 and 8:30 p.m. during the week and from 10:00 am to 9 p.m. on the weekends.