Arlington is the American Dream City. Our competitive can-do spirit makes dreams a reality. Here are five examples of dreams getting done in Arlington this week, February 1-5, 2016:

1. UTA Joins Elite List of Top Doctoral Research Universities in Country

The University of Texas at Arlington earned its spot Monday on a distinguished list of higher education institutions considered to be the top doctoral research universities in the United States. The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education named UTA among an elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity. This group of R-1 category or "highest research" institutions includes Harvard, MIT and Johns Hopkins.

2. Signing Day a Dream Come True for AISD Student-Athletes

Nearly 70 students representing six Arlington ISD schools signed their national letters of intent to nine different sports on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. Martin High School graduates Allison Wade and Cole "Sully" Billingsley both signed on to play golf for The University of Texas at Arlington. December 2015 Student-Athlete of the Month Joshua Parrish also signed his letter of intent to play basketball at Texas Christian University. Please click here to check out a full list of Arlington ISD signees.

3. Ballet Academy in Arlington Invited to International Competition

A group of students from the American Classical Ballet Academy in Arlington have the chance to make their dreams come true after being invited to participate in the Youth American Grand Prix International Finals. The American Classical Ballet Academy is one of the youngest groups to ever qualify for the finals. Approximately 15,000 students compete around the world, but only around 200 are selected. The competition will be held in New York City from April 22-29, 2016.

4. Nashville Artist with Arlington Ties Featured in Billboard Magazine

A Nashville singer/songwriter with Arlington ties is featured in Billboard Magazine. The article, "Is Maren Morris Nashville's Next Breakout Pop Star?", called the artist's as-yet-untitled Columbia Nashville full-length album "one of 2016's most anticipated country releases." Morris, 25, may be a familiar face to some Arlington residents. She's the namesake of her parents' business, Maren Karsen Aveda Salon on 200 N. Mesquite Street, Suite 109, in downtown Arlington. Scott and Kellie Morris' salon, which previously operated in north Arlington, is celebrating its 20^th year in business this month.

5. UNT Health Science Center, AISD to Help Students Achieve Their Dreams

The Arlington ISD and the University of North Texas Health Science Center announce an exciting partnership that will give students interested in health-related occupations the chance to achieve their dreams by providing an accelerated, real-life learning experience beyond the classroom. AISD students will have increased health-related exposure and educational enrichment experiences within the UNTHSC educational environment, as 75 select students who are enrolled in the Concepts of Health Care CTE course will participate in the program.