Winners Revealed for NEA and NAMT’s Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students

“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 theatre” said National Endowment for the Arts Chairman, Mary Anne Carter. “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 theatre in the United States.”

The 2025-2026 winners are Izzy Burris, an 11th grade student at Carlsbad High School in Carlsbad, California, with the song “Where Do You Get Off?;” Rett Bush, a 12th grade student at Johns Creek High School in Johns Creek, Georgia, with the song “Welcome to Winter’s Edge;” Isaac Goodman, a 10th grade student at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with the song “Another Dreamer Down the Hall;” Liam Liang, an 11th grade student at Crimson Global Academy in Harvard, Massachusetts, with the song “Oh No Gaby;” Merissa Moore, a 12th grade student at Pocono Mountain West High School in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, with the song “Find Me;” James Pumphrey, a 12th grade student at Great River School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with the song “Am I Doing Enough?;” Cameron Steele, a 10th grade student at Riverside High School in Leesburg, Virginia, with the song “Just Gold;” and Elaina Stuppler, a 12th grade student at Lakeridge High School in Lake Grove, Oregon, with the song “Remote.”