Named after Cora McQuestion, the City of Prior Lake's first female mayor, the Spirit of Prior Lake Award is presented to an individual whose actions resulted in a significant positive impact on our community. Recognizing community members who perform good deeds without expectation of reward allows the City to say "thank you" to those who exemplify the spirit of Prior Lake.

Criteria

Selection criteria is broad as contribution and impact can be determined in many different ways. Examples could include heroic action, volunteerism, or humanitarian efforts. Nominees may be anyone including residents, City staff, business owners, non-profit organizations or elected officials.

Nominations

Nominations for the Award may be submitted throughout the year. Anyone can nominate someone for this Award. Nominations will be reviewed and the winner selected each year in October by the City’s Community Engagement Committee. The award will be presented at a subsequent City Council meeting.

Submit a Nomination

2023 Cora McQuestion Spirit of Prior Lake Award Winner - Kathy Dawson

2022 Cora McQuestion Spirit of Prior Lake Award Winner - Woody Spitzmueller

About Cora McQuestion

Cora McQuestion was elected Mayor of Prior Lake in 1926, only the second woman ever elected as a Mayor in Minnesota. McQuestion won on a platform of law enforcement and ‘cleaning up’ the town.

McQuestion aspired to the role after deterring would be robbers at the Prior Lake State Bank in 1922. McQuestion and her family lived on the NW corner of Main Street and Dakota Avenue, across the street from the bank.

After seeing bandits prowling, McQuestion grabbed her shotgun and fired volleys into the air, frightening the criminals and running them out of town. McQuestion served one term as Mayor and died in 1942 at the age of 58.