Advancing the Dream: Leaning Forward

Award winners will be announced at The Arlington MLK Celebration Advancing the Dream: Leaning Forward on Friday, January 15, 2027.

Nominations accepted until midnight, Wednesday, November 10, 2026.

Selection Criteria for Educator Award

The individual receiving this award exemplifies "diversity in education" which strives to promote academics through high standards of excellence in leadership, involvement, and service.

• Provides exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school
• Provides exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession
• Strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership
• Engages and inspires a presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the Arlington community
• Is an active participant in other organizations: civic, fraternal, religious or professionally related

The nominee should be a Texas educator at a school or school district, community college, college, or university in Arlington, public, private or charter who has made outstanding contributions to the education of his/her students and faculty. The nominee does not need to hold a doctoral degree.

TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THIS CATEGORY CLICK HERE

Selection Criteria for Government Award

The individual receiving this award exemplifies "accessible government" which strives to promote availability, knowledge, and use of government services through excellence in involvement, leadership, and making services available to all who need them.

• Inspires leadership and involvement in governmental issues by public officials
• Has regular communication with constituents about governmental issues
• Demonstrates personal commitment and a dedicated focus to governmental issues
• Is an active participant in other organizations: civic, fraternal, religious or professionally related
• Demonstrates creativity and initiative in the development or implementation of citizen- or constituent-focused services
• Has inspired and motivated others to be high performers in government transformation during the past year
• Creation or successful use of tools, programs or efforts to influence laws and regulations affecting the Arlington community, including but not limited to work with lawmakers, regulators, alliances, coalitions and other entities

Nominee should be a Texas government employee at the national, state, county, regional or local, or municipal level who has made outstanding contributions to the public sector. The nominee could be an elected official.

TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THIS CATEGORY CLICK HERE

Selection Criteria for Community Award

The individual or group receiving this award exemplifies the "spirit of community service" which strives to promote standards of excellence through academics, leadership, involvement and service.

• Promotes and/or advances public understanding about important community issues/concerns
• Fosters coordination and cooperation among diverse audiences and stakeholders in the Arlington community
• Demonstrates high standards of character and moral standing
• Services rendered by the nominee have been outstanding and beneficial to the Arlington community
• Is an active supporter of other community service organizations: civic, fraternal, religious or professional

Nominee could be an individual or group from a business, church or community service non-profit organization.

TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THIS CATEGORY CLICK HERE