This year, The Hilltop’s legacy reached new heights with graduating Editor-in-Chief Jacky “JD” Dennis Jean-Jacques II receiving the 2025 NABJ Student Journalist of the Year Award. A history major with a minor in economics, JD graduated summa cum laude and is now poised to begin a promising career in finance — but not before leaving an indelible mark on Howard journalism. 

Howard University’s student newspaper, The Hilltop, continues to affirm its place as a vital institution for aspiring Black journalists. Founded in 1924 by Zora Neale Hurston, The Hilltop has long served as a voice for Black students and a training ground for future leaders in media and beyond. Jean-Jacques, known to most as “JD,” joined The Hilltop during his freshman year and steadily rose through the ranks. From DMV section editor to campus editor and ultimately to editor-in-chief. His tenure was marked by journalistic rigor, high editorial standards, and a deep respect for the publication’s heritage. 

More than just a student newspaper, The Hilltop under JD’s leadership operated like a professional newsroom. Wise beyond his years, he approached is position with pride. He encouraged his team to lean on The Hilltop’s century-long ethical code and reporting processes, even when faced with criticism from powerful institutions. JD credits mentors like Hilltop Advisor Keith Alexander of the Washington Post and Professor Yanick Rice Lamb as instrumental in shaping his confident yet principled leadership style. 

What makes JD’s award all the more remarkable is that he was not a journalism major. Yet his dedication was purely driven by passion. “It’s the structure, the editing, the storytelling. It’s like a puzzle I want to solve,” he shared. His attention to detail, love for the written word, and deep appreciation for the community helped cement The Hilltop’s reputation as a publication that doesn’t just report news; it molds the overall culture on campus and holds institutions accountable. 

As JD prepares to begin his post-graduation career at Goldman Sachs in New York City, his Hilltop journey leaves behind a clear message to future Howard journalists: “Know your process, trust your ethics, and never be afraid to lead.” The torch has now passed to a new editorial team, but the path laid by JD ensures that The Hilltop will remain a beacon of student-driven journalism for years to come.