Jacky “JD” Jean-Jacques Named NABJ Student Journalist of the Year

Pictured: The Hilltop Former Editor-in-Chief '25 Jacky “JD” Dennis Jean-Jacques II. Credit: The Dig

Howard University senior Jacky “JD” Jean-Jacques II, the outgoing editor-in-chief of The Hilltop, has been named the 2025 NABJ Student Journalist of the Year. A history major with a minor in economics, JD graduated summa cum laude and is set to begin his career in finance. Yet his legacy at Howard is firmly rooted in journalism. Under his leadership, The Hilltop, the university’s historic student newspaper founded by Zora Neale Hurston, thrived as a platform for truth, accountability, and student voice.

Leading with Integrity and Purpose

JD joined The Hilltop as a freshman and rose through the ranks, serving as DMV section editor, campus editor, and eventually editor-in-chief. His tenure was defined by a commitment to journalistic excellence and a deep respect for the publication’s legacy. Though not a journalism major, JD’s passion for storytelling and editorial precision shaped a newsroom culture that mirrored professional standards. He credits mentors like Hilltop advisor Keith Alexander and Professor Yanick Rice Lamb for helping him develop a leadership style rooted in ethics and confidence.

A Lasting Legacy at The Hilltop

As JD prepares to begin his post-graduation journey at Goldman Sachs in New York City, he leaves behind a powerful message for future Hilltop editors: lead with purpose, trust your process, and honor the legacy. His work has not only elevated The Hilltop’s reputation but also reinforced its role as a cultural cornerstone on campus. JD’s story is a reminder that leadership and impact are not defined by one’s major, but by passion, discipline, and a commitment to community.