It’s been a busy few months filled with surprises for local resident Dawn Schulberg.

Schulberg, owner of Premiere Dance Academy, was honored by the Prior Lake City Council on Jan. 13 as the recipient of the 2025 Cora B. McQuestion Spirit of Prior Lake Award.

During the presentation, Mayor Kirt Briggs said her dance studio has grown into one of the most respected youth arts organizations in the area since opening in 2003. Schulberg was the first woman to build a commercial building in Prior Lake, and the academy was previously nominated as “Business of the Year” by the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Premiere established a local chapter of “Darby’s Dancers,” a nationwide nonprofit providing dance opportunities for children with special needs which now supports 31 local children. The dance studio participates in “Dancers Against Cancer,” an organization that provides financial assistance to those who have been diagnosed with cancer, including dance teachers, dancers and their families, with millions of dollars raised since forming in 2012.

The Prior Lake woman also received national recognition last October when she was awarded the Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2025 Industry Dance Awards ceremony held in Hollywood, Calif.

Named after Cora B. McQuestion, the city’s first woman mayor, the award is presented annually to an individual whose actions have made a significant and positive impact on the community. It is intended to recognize community members who perform good deeds without the expectation of reward and allows the city to say “thank you” to those who exemplify the spirit of Prior Lake, according to City Manager Jason Wedel.

Schulberg gave a short speech following the presentation which included her being given a crystal plaque. She acknowledged her students who have also given back to the community in many ways through their volunteer efforts.