HomeMy WebLinkAbout06(A) - 2025 Cora B. McQuestion Spirit of Prior Lake Award: Dawn Schulberg Report
ITEM: 6A
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: December 09, 2025
PREPARED BY: Lori Olson, Assistant City Manager
PRESENTED BY: Jason Wedel, City Manager
AGENDA ITEM: 2025 Cora B. McQuestion Spirit of Prior Lake Award: Dawn
Schulberg
BACKGROUND:
The recipient of the 2025 Cora B. McQuestion Spirit of Prior Lake Award is Dawn Schulberg.
Ms. Schulberg spent the last three decades enriching the lives of Prior Lake dancers. She started
teaching dance in Prior Lake in 1992 and a decade later in 2003, opened Premiere Dance
Academy, a studio that has grown into one of the area's most respected youth arts organizations.
In another milestone achievement, Schulberg was the first woman to build a commercial building
in downtown Prior Lake, marking her as a trailblazer not only in the arts but in local business
development.
Her mission has remained consistent throughout her career: to educate, promote participation in
the arts, and foster appreciation for dance to help children build confidence. Under her leadership,
Premiere Dance Academy has been nominated for Business of the Year and is known for its
strong tradition of giving back to the community.
One of Schulberg’s most meaningful initiatives is the creation of a local chapter of Darby’s
Dancers, a nationwide nonprofit providing dance opportunities to children with special needs. At
Premiere, all costs for Darby’s Dancers are fully covered, ensuring that every child can participate
regardless of financial circumstances. The program has flourished and now supports 31 enrolled
students.
Named after Cora B. McQuestion, the City of Prior Lake's first female mayor, the Spirit of Prior
Lake Award is presented annually to an individual whose actions have made a significant positive
impact on our community. Recognizing community members who perform good deeds without
the expectation of reward allows the City to say "thank you" to those who exemplify the spirit of
Prior Lake.
The City thanks Ms. Schulberg for her outstanding efforts to improve the community and is
pleased to honor her contributions through this award.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Nomination Dawn Schulberg
City of Prior Lake | 4646 Dakota Street SE | Prior Lake MN 55372