Preston Hollow’s Cathy McEachern helps spotlight ScholarShot’s life-changing mission

With graduation season upon us, many bright futures will soon begin with a walk across the stage. Later this month, a unique ceremony hosted by Dallas-based nonprofit ScholarShot will celebrate just such a milestone for its latest graduating class.

Founded in 2009 by business growth executive Dan Hooper, ScholarShot is dedicated to connecting first-generation college students with the wide range of tools, from financial aid to community support, necessary to complete career-ready certificates or degrees. It’s a mission with an important meaning to Preston Hollow neighbor Cathy McEachern.

“ScholarShot is kind of an unsung hero,” McEachern says. “There are a lot of high-profile charities in Dallas, and they’re doing great work, but I don’t know if this organization gets enough publicity. It’s making a real impact.”

She is currently preparing to chair the ScholarShot Ninth Annual Graduation Luncheon on May 18.

“My mother always felt very strongly about education,” she says. “I think that that was imprinted on me, and I’ve always felt a strong service to education, as well. I believe in every kid having a chance at an education – it can transform you.”

A lifelong Dallasite, McEachern attended The Hockaday School and went on to earn her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Business school at Southern Methodist University followed, along with a successful career.

“I was in corporate finance for many years,” she says. “I retired from that and started mentoring a first-generation student. He had a great support system in his family, but he wasn’t doing well in school. I coached him with college applications and took him on a tour, but when you start to look at financial aid, it gets a lot more complicated.”

A chance meeting with Hooper through neighbors led to a light bulb moment and a years-long commitment to ScholarShot.

“He realized these kids need a support system from high school all the way through college,” McEachern says. “A student may get financial aid, go off to school, and become overwhelmed, whether they’re first-gen or not. It’s a big step to go out on your own. Most organizations will help get them the financial aid, and then they’re done, but that’s where kids fall through the cracks. ScholarShot also asks questions such as, ‘Are you getting some internships? How do we get you some work experience?’”

Indeed, this organization takes a 360-degree approach to support long-term success. Eligible students include first-generation prospective college attendees who typically come from households with an income below $30,000 per year. Applicants must also demonstrate “grit and determination” before entering the program. Upon acceptance, ScholarShot provides academic support, financial assistance, career preparation and a strong community network from day one, through embarking on a new career.

The result? ScholarShot students achieve a 90% success rate in earning a bachelor’s, associate’s or vocational degree, with less than one-third the debt of their peers. As of the end of 2025, a total of 258 first-generation graduates had achieved this goal.

The ScholarShot class of 2026 will soon increase that number, representing graduates from schools including Texas A&M University, Texas Woman’s University, the University of Houston, and McEachern’s alma mater, the University of Texas. Degrees represented range from International Relations to Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Each new graduate will be celebrated on Monday, May 18, at this year’s graduate luncheon. In addition, ScholarShot alumnus Cayro Bustos will be a featured speaker. Bustos earned his law degree from the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 2023 and currently practices at Dallas-based Perkins Coie. Manny Ybarra, CEO of Pillar Commercial, and his wife Betsy will serve as this year’s Honorary Chairs, and Emmy-winning WFAA journalist Natalie Haddad will host. The audience will include family, friends, local civic leaders and educators, and McEachern may be cheering loudest of all.

“ScholarShot is not just about scholarships,” she says. “It’s mentorship, accountability, building confidence and providing a support system. Watching these scholars cross the stage each year is inspiring and deeply meaningful.”