Q&A With Jessy DeSantis, Celebrity Panelist, Are You Smarter Than a BCP Student?
April 22, 2026
For this year’s 30th anniversary celebration of the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP), Are You Smarter Than a BCP Student? (AYS) annual gala, has a few firsts:
- The first-ever awards given at the AYS gala
- The premiere of the first-ever documentary about BCP’s history and impact
- The first-ever BCP Impact Report unveiled at the event, and
- The first-ever BCP alumni celebrity panelist for AYS, and
- The first-ever BCP parent celebrity panelist: the artist, curator, and educator Jessy DeSantis
DeSantis is a proud parent of two children enrolled at BCP’s Wolfe Street Academy. In 2025, they gave their talent, time, and thoughtful community engagement to Wolfe Street, designing and painting a beautiful mural Memoria y Esperanza (Memory and Hope), a vibrant mural at Wolfe Street that involved students, families, and community members in its creation and honors the school’s cultural diversity. Raised in a Nicaraguan household, DeSantis drew on their cultural heritage to create art that celebrates identity, heritage, and belonging.
DeSantis’ colorful, soulful work has been recognized regionally, connecting their community-focused practice to Baltimore’s broader artistic and cultural landscape. Their painting Cintli, Corn, Maíz, was acquired by the Walters Art Museum for its permanent collection, and they have held numerous fellowships and shown their work across the region.
We talked to them about the opportunity to match wits with BCP 5th and 8th graders on April 30th at the 30th Anniversary celebration of Are You Smarter Than a BCP Student?, held at the Maryland Science Center.
What are you looking forward to as a celebrity panelist for the event?
I’m looking forward to getting completely schooled by BCP students.
Any questions where you think you might be a “lock?”
I think I will be alright when it comes to science questions. I’m a nerd when it comes to everything science and psychology. But “I honestly think I should have prepared better for this exam” are thoughts I anticipate having as the competition is happening.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of having your students and family be part of the Wolfe Street Academy?
My two children are above grade level and thriving thanks to the incredible staff at Wolfe Street! Having both my children excited about going to school and having learned so much is rewarding. The teachers have been amazing and there is a nurturing, caring culture there. I also love that our school is incredibly accommodating to our bilingual families.
Why are public charter schools like BCP so important to the community?
They offer a community feel where children and their families are supported for success!
What did creating the school’s mural with the community mean to you?
This painting meant a lot for the students. It has been rewarding to see the kids see themselves in it and their cultures represented. I remember working on the mural and a little boy thought I was painting his portrait. That was heartwarming and affirming. I hope this mural continues to be welcoming, bringing hope and joy to future students at Wolfe Street. I’m thankful that BCP and Wolfe Street chose me as a parent to create this mural.
You are an artist and storyteller. What do you hope your work inspires in future generations, especially as you celebrate Baltimore’s rich diversity through your artistry?
I hope future generations will reconnect with their ancestral roots, care about the future of humanity, our earth and the interconnectedness of our struggles. I hope others see that they too have a unique story and impact worth sharing and passing down.
Your resume is incredibly impressive. What is a current project you’d like to share?
I will be at Artscape this year, May 23rd & 24th! I haven’t participated since 2019 Come out and visit me!
Fun Fact: DeSantis has a master’s degree in accounting but chose to pursue their passion for art and storytelling as a self-taught artist.
Explore their art at www.jdesantisart.com.