Earliest Student
Grace Shults’ connection to the Paso Robles Youth Arts Center was woven into her life long before she was old enough to step into a classroom. In 2001, when Grace was just a toddler, her mother, Claire Fundaro, became the very first teacher hired by PRYA founder Donna Berg. Because of this, Grace quite literally took her first steps surrounded by the hum of creativity, mentorship, and community. The Youth Arts Center didn’t just become a part of her childhood—it became the backdrop of her life.
The moment she turned five and was finally old enough to join in, she eagerly laced up her shoes for ballet and jazz with Miss Amanda Gonzales, and stepped into the spotlight of Tiny Theatre alongside her mother. For the next thirteen years, PRYA was a true second home. Within its walls, Grace found the freedom to explore every corner of her imagination, immersing herself in everything from visual arts and drama to guitar, singing, and band.
From those early childhood steps through her graduation at eighteen, Grace’s youth was a vibrant tapestry of reviews, theatrical productions, and community performances. Her fondest memories remain anchored in the magic of the June and Winter Reviews—where the entire PRYA family united to celebrate each other’s growth—and the joy of bringing stories like Alice in Wonderland and Mary Poppins to life on stage.
But the true gift of those years went far beyond learning stage presence or perfecting a melody. PRYA nurtured lifelong friendships that remain unbreakable today, and quietly instilled the core values of discipline, creativity, and a resilient work ethic. Learning to perform, collaborate, and lead in front of an audience gave Grace a profound sense of confidence that she carries with her to this day.
Today, as a successful business professional, entrepreneur, and dedicated community member, Grace still draws daily from the creative wellspring of her youth—building meaningful relationships, connecting deeply with diverse groups of people, and meeting every new challenge with a brave heart.
Looking back, Grace credits the Paso Robles Youth Arts Center as the most influential anchor of her life, the nurturing ground that helped shape a dreaming child into the accomplished, community-minded woman she is today.