This is the last of 20 profiles of The Gazette’s Best and Brightest Class of 2017.   

Jessica Shand first picked up the flute in fourth grade because she wanted to be a part of the ensemble. She thought it looked challenging and had the most keys. The first couple of weeks she played it though, she couldn’t even get a sound out.

“It was probably in about seventh grade that it clicked,” Shand said. She had teachers and mentors who inspired her and helped her discover her passion.

“I think there are lots of things (I love about the flute),” she said. “One of the things is that I’m kind of an introvert. Being able to share my ideas through this art form is very special.” She said she loves to share this with others and make them happy.

Shand will get to continue this passion of hers in college as she will be getting a dual degree between Harvard and the New England Conservatory. She will spend four years at Harvard and then finish her fifth year by getting her Master in Performance at the New England Conservatory.

“I really just like being able to share music with people and the storytelling nature of it,” she said.

Shand is also very absorbed in science, which has been a big part of her high school experience. She plans to pursue a degree in chemistry or biology at Harvard.

When Shand isn’t busy in the classroom, or practicing flute, she supports the Colorado Springs Teen Court – something she has done since she eighth grade.

“Colorado Springs Teen Court is a program in which local teens help other teens kind of achieve restorative justice,” she said.

She said the program emphasizes fixing the harm that has been done instead of just punishing the defendant.

“The trials are once a month, and I’ve been able to work on both sides of the council,” she said.

Shand said she is very interested in the structure of the government but not as much about law. She said while it isn’t directly related to what she wants to do career-wise, it has helped her develop skills in other areas of life.

Shand is excited about her upcoming plans. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “Boston will be very different.”