In a not-so-distant future overtaken by endless winter, a sentient robot faces an impossible choice: save himself and abandon humanity’s last survivors, or sacrifice everything in the frozen wasteland of Winter’s Edge. Set against a heavy metal score, the song written by JCHS graduate Rett Bush explores survival, loyalty and what it means to be human.
Rett was among a very select group named as winners in the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) 2025-2026 Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students.
This program provides student writers with an unparalleled opportunity to develop and showcase original musical compositions that could potentially become part of full-scale musical theater productions. The winning songwriters traveled to New York City to work with mentors and refine their songs for a special concert at New World Stages.
“Honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, this year’s Songwriting Challenge celebrates the nation’s rich artistic heritage and creativity by shining a spotlight on musical theater. National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Mary Anne Carter said, “Through their original works, these winning songwriters are helping to shape the future of this uniquely American art form. We are honored to support these students as they continue to develop their craft, share their stories and contribute to the enduring tradition of musical theater in the United States.”
Rett is a recent graduate of Johns Creek High School and is bound for the University of Georgia in the fall with an intended double major in Political Science and Economics. Throughout high school, he performed as an actor on the Johns Creek stage and played metal shows around the Atlanta area with various bands. His first performance with a band was at the Johns Creek Battle of the Bands in 2024. He plans to keep performing, composing and recording music in addition to his studies in college.