Cedar Hill student to earn associate degree before heading to Rice University

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CEDAR HILL, Texas - An 18-year-old senior at Cedar Hill ISD's Collegiate High School can’t wait to arrive on the campus of Rice University in Houston this summer. 

Alexander Piggatt earned a full academic scholarship to one of the top academic universities in Texas, according to Cedar Hill ISD officials.

Alexander Piggatt

Academic excellence and campus life

What we know:

Piggatt transferred to Collegiate High School in the summer of 2024 from a similar program in another district. He said that regular access to Dallas College was an added bonus when he arrived on campus. During his two years at Collegiate, Piggatt was a Student Council officer, a National Honor Society officer, and played on the varsity tennis team that reached the playoffs in 2024.

A head start on higher education

Before heading to Rice, Piggatt will earn his associate’s degree from Dallas College, just a few weeks before receiving his high school diploma. Piggatt chose to double major in artificial intelligence and business, because he’d like to own an engineering business someday.

"AI is changing daily, and a business degree will help me run a business effectively," Piggatt said. 

Choosing a path to success

Dig deeper:

The Cedar Hill teen is familiar with Rice University due to it being the alma mater of his older sister. According to the district, Piggatt applied to Rice, along with other top universities, through QuestBridge National College Match.

"It’s a great place for me to excel in my post-high school career, graduate studies, and the workforce," said Piggatt. "The campus and the student culture are nice, and it will be great to be in Houston, close to the Texas Medical Center and other universities."

Piggatt says he enjoys both the students and staff at Collegiate High School. 

A "scholarly" legacy

What they're saying:

"Alexander is laid back, yet undeniably scholarly," Collegiate Academy & High School Principal John Edmun said. "He brings a level of focus and maturity well beyond his years. His steady work ethic and genuine heart show up in everything he does. I couldn’t be more proud of the individual he’s becoming."