I am reminded of Houston’s life today and the deep loss we feel here on this Earth. I treasured Houston’s friendship and absolutely loved watching him perform. He was a caring friend and son and truly is always missed. Hugs to the sweet St. John family.

I still miss you, daily. The pain gets easier with time, but it will never fully go away--but maybe this is the way we keep your memory alive. I love you brother, and I can't wait to be with you again. <3

I never meet Houston, matter of a fact I didn’t know Houston had been born until I heard of his death, but everything that I have read about him doesn’t surprise me about his talent, abilities, and out going personality. If anyone had meet his mom and dad they would not expect anything less from Houston. My time with David and Teresa was one of the most inspiring and directional times in my life. God knowing that Levita and I was soon to go into ministry put the St Johns in our lives to help inspire us and set us forward into ministry. To this day I love the St. John’s, which I guess means we love Houston St John.

I'll never forget how much of a light you were in my life, Houston. You continue to inspire me everyday and I look forward to the moment our paths will cross again someday. Happy heavenly birthday, my brother. Say hi to Michael and Elvis for me!

Thinking of you today Houston. Sure do miss you buddy. I loved to see you at Mamaw’s house each thanksgiving. It was my favorite time of year. During this season so many wonderful memories come to mind. Love you!

Thinking of you today, Houston, and praying for your family. You are having a great time, but I know they miss you so! Heaven is forever. See you soon!

The Milbourn Family is praying for Theresa, David and Austin - especially today, Houston's birthday. We love you all, and thank God for His blessing of Houston in our lives.

Missing you today Houston. You were a light everywhere you went. Can't wait to see you again someday.

We're praying for you today, David and Theresa. May you be blessed as you continue to bless others. I pray that Houston's birthday brings back a few more cherished memories.

Thinking of you all today (and every day) and missing Houston (always!) with you. Much love your way!

St. John family,

Please know we're thinking about you and praying for you all today. Thank you for the many ways your son has blessed people for these 21 years.

~Moritz Family

I drove past the scene of the accident on 4-35 today and burst into tears. Two years ago today the world lost one of the brightest lights it had ever seen. I still don't understand why your life was so short- but you had more impact on those around you than anyone I've ever met. You are still missed and never forgotten Houston St.John.

It's hard to believe that two years have passed since I heard the news that your journey on earth was ended. I was sharing your story just the other day with some young people and telling them what a light you brought into this dark world with your music and talents. Today I'm sending a virtual hug to your family - and want them to know what a tremendous gift they shared when they gave you life. Enjoy paradise dear Houston and we will all join you around God's throne as the Lord calls each of us home.... in His time....

David, Theresa and Austin,

Thinking of you and your family today. My prayers are with all of you and Houston is singing and dancing in heaven.

Even about a year later, I'm still thinking about you. I have heard so many stories about you. So many wonderful stories and not a single one that would make me think less of you. You have drastically changed my life for the better. At a choir event a while ago, our school students from many organizations such as dance, and, of course, choir performed in honor of you. The smile on your parents' faces changed me to see how grateful I am to be alive today; how thankful I am to know that parents never stop caring about you. They say the good ones are always taken away earlier. The only idea that I believe to be true is that God decided that you had already lived an incredible life! From my point of view, you are the life of the party, and I cannot miss a single day where I don't stop to think about you. Mainly because I have an article from "the Epic" of you hanging on my wall for inspiration and memorability. You're such a beautiful person inside and out and I can't thank you enough for the inspiration you give me every day. I miss you so much and I wish I could hear more stories about how you made it big, in your later years. I can't wait until I meet you in heaven and jam it out and listen to your lovely voice and get an experience to see how much talent you truly have.

To Houston's family and close friends,
You have been blessed to have someone so special and so talented in your life. I cannot help but be jealous of you all to have shared a part of an amazing experience with such an amazing human. You all have been touched by an angel, as well as me. Houston is always watching over you all; everyone. West is a family and this isn't the first time we have lost a Viking. But Vikings are strong, and West truly proves that we are the strongest group of people around. You all are Houston's #1 fans, you have been there from the beginning of his wonderful life, and I give credit to you for making Houston such an amazing person, because without any family or friends, the person Houston became about could not have happened. There is so much support within this group of people and you are the right group to motivate him to do his best. Just know, Houston loves you all and we will never forget.

Houston was my best friend in the world from the first time that we just talked and the first time I saw him (at Footloose Callbacks)! It was my first callback and I was so glad to share that with him and I left that place knowing he would get Ren because he was SO Incredibly Talented! I just continue to remember him in my prayers and know that he is watching over me! My prayers go to the family, Maggie, and his friends! “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." ~Matthew 5:4

Today, yes TODAY has to be a very hard day for Houston's loving, 
caring grieving parents along other grieving family 
members & dear friends. "Can it be?" is the question going
over & over in my head as I sit here with tears in my eyes
(like many other today). Yet, with my ears I hear this awesome
God given voice of Houston resounding throughout this room.
Can we ever express to you Theresa & David how much we
cherish all the memories you took time to make possible
for us to enjoy again & again. Yes, it will always be David,
Theresa, ( their two sons) Austin & Houston when I think
or refer to your wonderful family!. Love & peace to
you both.

My prayers go out to all of the famous priests living in heaven like Moses and Abraham. It's gonna be hard keeping up your rep when there's someone as awesome as adult Houston walking around showing everyone up. Miss you man.

Today is Houston's 18th birthday. I am blessed to have known him. I miss him. I think of all of the senior year plans and activities he, his family and friends would have enjoyed. The most encouraging part of Houston's absence from us is that HOUSTON IS DANCING WITH JESUS EVERY DAY!!!! What a beautiful picture!!! Have a joyous 1st birthday in Heaven, Sweet Houston!!!

Theresa, David and Austin~
You are in our hearts and our prayers, today and always. Houston will be forever missed, but never, ever forgotten!
With all our love,
The Fergusons

So I found this paperclip in the bottom of my backpack, and there's a funny story behind it! So before guys and dolls, the musical at our high school, I was terrified because I was a hot box dancer and was having back problems and knew I wasn't the best dancer. Well I went up to Houston and told him how nervous and scared I was and how I wish I had some of his talent and he smiled and said "come with me" and he went into the dressing room and got a paperclip out of his backpack. He did this funny little dance and said "there, now some of my talent and luck is in the paperclip." and gave it to me. It was the weirdest thing someone's ever done for me but that little paperclip helped me so much that performance. I just found the paperclip in the bottom of my backpack the day before my finals week and I know some of Houston's luck must still be in it.

Houston... what else can I say about him other than the fact that he was almost perfect. He could bring a smile to anyone's face no matter what they were going through. He never did say anything bad about or toward anyone. I miss him and wish he could have stayed here longer but at least we know he is with God, Elvis, and Michael Jackson having a great time and is watching over us.

Happy Easter Houston!

My favorite memory with Houston happened a year ago today at Epcot in Orlando. We were just about the only two in the group who weren't hungry, so we separated from everyone else, just me and him. We went over to see Captain EO, which I remember so clearly cause when Michael Jackson came on screen, Houston shouted "Yeah Michael!" (It was us and like 3 other people in the theater). Then we went and rode the Finding Nemo ride and sat through Turtle Talk with Crush, which Houston decided to sit on the floor with all the little kids to watch, and tried to text me to go sit with him but I refused and stayed up with the parents. After that, we ate at the space cafe and he started talking about all these Michael Jackson conspiracies and how there was evidence and proof that he was still alive as a man with a different name (I forgot the name though). He kept telling me to just tell him to shut up if I got bored, but I never did, I was truly interested in what he was saying. I also happen to remember that we were wearing our matching sweaters that day, haah. I think this is the day that brought us much closer than we already were. What I wouldn't give to have another day like this with him.

I have been thinking about you a lot recently my dear sweet boy. Not a single day goes by without wishing you were here with all of us. I'll never forget that last day you and I spent together, oh how precious it was. I know you are watching over all of us next to Jesus, and my upcoming journey to India is a little more peaceful knowing that you will be seeing it all with me. I love you

Theresa,

I didn't want to miss the opportunity to share with you this story about how Houston is still in our lives.

The kids and I were on our way home from "Annie" rehearsal and were talking about how the rehearsal had gone. We were talking about how certain people make a rehearsal better by just being there and how others are an encouragement etc. 

I said that it is always good to encourage others and that I had heard that Houston was quite an encourager.

They immediately began to speak of him with love and appreciation. "You would say, 'you did a great job Houston' and he would come back with, 'you did a great job too'. He always made people feel like they were important." 

Just another example of his talent being so much more than singing and dancing. He truly changed the lives of the people he came into contact with. I am so sad that my kids didn't get to be with him longer.

I just wanted to share this with you. Houston will not be forgotten. He is
forever woven into the tapestry of our lives.

I love you my friend.

Houston - been watching videos of you this morning and I have to say that you were something else. There are so many that miss you terribly but there are three in particular that I am thinking about today. When you chat with Jesus today, would you please ask him to send some special angels to be with your mom and dad and Austin. They miss you so much and I am concerned about them. Please ask Him to surround them with a love.and peace that only He can provide.  We dont grieve for you because we know that you have reached the finish line and are rejoicing with the king! We grieve for those that are left behind to carry on without you. So, if you could do that for me I would really appreciate it. I love you kid!

Dear Houston,

Well here at Immeasurable Productions, we just finished our performances of Bye Bye Birdie a few days ago. This is the last show you auditioned for before the accident. Our cast dedicated each show to you. I think you would've been proud. Every performance was excellent if I do say so myself, although I think many of our cast would agree that there was a Houston-shaped hole in the show. We would've really enjoyed working with you again. But I am grateful for the time we had with you and for the gift it was to get to know you and your sweet family.

Missing you,

Jeremy Moritz

Hey Houston! Here is a tribute video that Abby Wolff made for you that we showed before Bye Bye Birdie. Miss you so much!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-ZsitvG5g8&feature=youtu.be

Houston would always bug me to be his partner for physics PROMISING he would do the work (which he would never do and make me do all of it) and not fall asleep or talk the whole time, haha! Each time I would let him because I mean come on, it's Houston! One day we are doing a "projectile motion" lab where we used nerf guns to shoot how far they went and how fast they went, etc. I would make Houston go get us a new gun everytime, and somehow he thought it was funny to get the one that barely worked. Each time you would touch the trigger lightly, it would shoot. I remember the first two times I said, "Look bud. We gotta be serious here. Let's just get the data first and then we can have fun with the nerf guns". That didn't last. Every time I would barely touch the gun, it would go off and Houston got mad the first few times, but then we couldn't take it anymore and just decided it was hilarious and we wouldn't stop laughing. It was the best memory, because we laughed SO hard that day feeling like we were going to explode from it. I can still remember that day perfectly.

I also remember the day he came back after his surgery from his appendix being taken out. That was also a great day. He wanted to be my partner and of course I let him, knowing he had been so far behind and needed some help. We were in a group with two other smart kids, while we just sat back and talked. His voice was raspy from a tube he had, he said. So he decided to get his voice back in that 90 minute class period by talking NON-STOP to me. He talked about Maggie and how much he loved her, he talked about Disney World and how he would love to go back, showing me the pictures of his turkey legs, telling me his diet one of the days in Disney (man he can eat a lot) haha, and just being such a sweetheart and trying to "woo" me over with his stories and how he was such a great guy. You could tell he had a sense of realness; he wasn't the guy who tried to fit in with everyone,
he was a friend to everyone he met and never said one thing negative toward anybody.

Houston, I miss you so much! I wonder what would be happening if we both were in that class still. We'd probably fail but it's okay, because knowing you was one of the best things in my life, HANDS DOWN. I love you and I know you are totally safe now, whether you are eating turkey legs or you're singing in Jesus' choir now. You are always going to be in my heart, and I thank your wonderful parents for raising you to never be judgmental, and acting so truthful and kind to me when I felt like no one else did.

It's Christmas and you're on my mind, Houston. I miss you with all of my heart. I hope you're having fun partying with your main dude up there in Heaven. I just wish I could have given you the bottle of Pink Chiffon and that CD of really bad covers of Michael Jackson songs I promised you. I know you would have LOVED that. :) Love and miss you dearly!!

I am so grateful for the time that I had with Houston. He was one of the most talented people I have ever met. He had big talent and an even bigger heart. He never failed to make me laugh and he was always the one to give me a big bear hug when I was sad. He was more than a friend, he was an inspiration and the best little brother I could ever have. The world is a bit more grey without him, but heaven has truly gained one rockin angel! I would give anything to have you singing next to me again, Houstano. I take comfort in the fact that this is not goodbye, but see you soon. We will be dancing to "Jump On It" again in time! I love you Houstano! You will always be a part of my heart.

Houston, I miss you so much. You were a rare breed. I never knew so much talent and humility and genuine sweetness could exist in one person. You were a ray of light to all of us and will be severely missed.

Houston St John was one of those people that was constantly smiling, unless whatever starring roll he was occupying required otherwise. Everything about him radiated life. The sheer vitality that comes with dancing and singing and enjoying each breath. I hope that he truly is in paradise now and continues that love of simply being. We will miss you so much.

Shortly after finding out about Houston's death, I composed a poem for him.

Some people tell me that
I’m a college freshman now, so,
come on. It’s time to move on
past the high school mascot
and old colors, onto my new life
in a new city where it’s all blue.

I tried.
I tried to forget the many times that
I told myself and others
“Once a Viking, always a Viking.”
I said that college would be different,
that there would not be as many deaths
and my new friends would not have to
experience tragedy.

Then, all of a sudden, initials
began to pop up on my Twitter feed.
Too many times this phenomena occurred
but I was fine.

Because even though Andre was
an inspiration, a name whispered
throughout the tiled hallways
and wooden doors,
that’s where it ended for me.

I didn’t know Andre personally.
Or Ashton, or Tom, or Grant,
or Nick, or Sam, or Kelsey,
or anyone.

Until today.

Not only did initials start
to pop up on my phone again
but I got a fateful text
“Did something happen at SMW?”

This time, I didn’t just recognize,
I knew the name that was
all over the web.

Houston.

The boy that I had cat-called and
hugged after Spotlight Spectacular
The boy that I had seen my sister
hang out with in middle school
The boy that was going to be
the next Michael Jackson
was gone.

It doesn’t make sense to me-
that saying that everyone keeps repeating-
“Only the good die young”
because it isn’t fair that I get to stay
and he has to go.

The halls of my high school will mourn
yellow and black as
everyone that repeats the phrase
that seems almost like a motto
for our school

“Once a Viking, always a Viking”

Not because our alumni are
always supportive and present,
but because we need a way to hold on
to the ones ripped from our halls too soon.

My dearest Houston,
I never ever thought I would be writing something like this but here I am. You had so much talent and a beautiful heart. You cared about everyone and even though you were an amazing singer and dancer you never rubbed it in anyone's face. You were my freshman crush and became my little brother who I loved as if we were related. Because of you I wanted to be a better singer and person. I will always remember your obsession with turkey legs and the first time you let me touch your hair. You truly were one of a kind and will be deeply missed. Not a moment goes by that my heart isn't breaking because I know I won't get to see you until I join you in heaven. However I can receive some solace in knowing you are having a ball with Michael Jackson and Elvis. I am so blessed to have had the time with you that I did and to say that you were like a brother to me. I talked to your mom today and even though she's hurting know that everyone and I will be there for her and your entire family. I love you more than words can express. Say hi to Ashton, Andre, Nick, Tom, and Grant for me. Love you Houston St John

While we mourn the loss of a friend and the memories we had yet to share, let us also celebrate the memories we did. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." This was the theme verse from Joseph, the show I did with Houston St John. Looking back, this is something I saw him do every day. I know this is one of the many things for which Houston will be remembered.

Such a hard time... Houston was such a beautiful example of what it looks like to love others and shine so bright. He engulfed the stage with his presence, adding a little bit of his Michael Jackson/Elvis persona to everything. He dived into friendships like you've been friends since preschool. A truly incredible guy. My heart is hurting deeply at the loss of him here on earth, but I'm also so anxious to see him in heaven.

Houston,

Your SM West Madrigals did you proud today as they won the 99.7 Holiday Music contest and sang with a rock band. You would have rocked out to American Authors, but you know that don't you? Coach V said you were there with us - and I believe it! Every time I look at the Madrigals it seems there is a space the group is leaving for you. Keep rockin' and rollin' in heaven and thank you for the influence you had on all of us.

Houston St. John, forever!

The Geil family misses Houston! He made everyone around him better, and as a performer and a person, he's a stand-out!!!

I never had the joy of meeting Houston or seeing him perform. From everything I've heard through out CYT family I know I would have been awed and inspired by him. As I've experienced his loss in my own way it has had such a profound impact in my faith in God and my love for his son Jesus. Houston's legacy will surely live on and I will be sure my budding young actor Andrew will know how special Houston is. My heart goes out to your family and I can assure you, we will never forget!

I had an extremely vivid dream about Houston last night. I dreamt that he came back to see his family and Maggie and some friends just for a short time and assisted his dad onstage in a sermon. He wasn't here to say anything profound but just to hang out for an afternoon or so. The interesting thing was that everyone somehow knew how temporary his time was, so they all cherished every minute of it like it might be their last minute with him. I was sad to wake up and find I'd been dreaming. It was a reminder to me how precious and short is our time with family.

Every day I think about Houston and am so thankful for his legacy. From the first time I saw him at auditions in Joseph, to the Monday night tech rehearsal at Tarzan, Houston was always such a positive role model and influence to all around him. He was such a sweet, thoughtful guy, who always put others above himself. One of my favorite memories was when he would always randomly come up and smell my hair. He was so fun loving and always knew how to crack a joke. If you looked in the corner, you would see Houston practicing his moves. He was so very talented, yet so humble. I so wish that he could be performed the role of Tarzan. He worked so hard in rehearsals and brought such a fun energy to the show. His impact on the cast was huge, he really deserved the brave heart. I loved watching him try out the ropes and the elevator. It was such an honor to perform in his honor. Houston had so many great qualities that are so important in a friend. His relationship with the Lord is inspiring. The amount of people impacted by him continues to amaze me. I know The Lord has great plans through Houston, which played out in his life and will continue to play out through our memories. I can't write this without sounding cliche or repetitive, because words truly don't describe the great young man and friend Houston was to all. Thank you Houston, for continually being an inspiration in faith and life.

The first time I saw Houston was during Footloose earlier this year. His performance was great, and a friend who had been in the production had told me he was nothing but kind. Although I did not get the chance to say congratulations, I believe God wanted me to meet Houston, and we met during CYT's The Drowsy Chaperone camp this summer. Along with being talented, he was truly a man of God, and it was obvious in the way he treated others. I was looking forward to seeing him on November 5, as I was helping with Tarzan, but unfortunately he had gone to be with the Lord. However, he was there during every show, and we could feel it. Although I did not know Houston long, he definitely impacted my life, and I will continue to pray for the St. Johns and all of his friends for a long time.

I am a friend of Rob Moritz who informed me of Houston's tragic death. To the family, thank you for uploading to Youtube the videos of Houston in the days following his death. I read Austin's tribute and watched many of those videos along with looking at the many wonderful pictures that have been uploaded to this site. As a Christian brother, I am so sorry to see this young life end far too soon. The letter he wrote to himself that you uploaded here is an amazing testament to this young man's faith in God as well as a testament to your family. May God use his life and your family's response to his passing to comfort others and bring more people into the Kingdom for eternity. God bless you all, Andrew Scott

This is a beautiful tribute to Houston written by his brother Austin. It made me cry as I read the beautiful comments he made. We have so many wonderful photos of Houston that Austin took for us. I love my sons dearly!!!
http://austinstjohn.com/houston-st-john-remembered/

My daughter, Abigail, is a CYT alum and a big fan of Houston. I was blessed to see your precious son in CYT's Footloose. I am sorry that I did not get to meet him personally. My heart has been so heavy for these last two weeks since hearing about your loss. I hope that it brings you some comfort to know that Houston touched the lives of so many people in such a powerful way. Your family is in my prayers. God bless you.

Houston and Maggie met while playing Willard and Rusty in last year's production of Footloose directed by my son Jeremy. Jeremy ( and Mindy, the choreographer) were also excited about Houston being an incredible Conrad Birdie in the production next month of Bye Bye Birdie over Christmas Break. I would have LOVED to see him do it-- I know he would have been electrifying and hilarious!
Most of all I wish we could have seen what he might have accomplished in life over time. The words of the tribute I gave to my niece Breanna-- whose life was likewise cut short by a sudden and tragic accident-- apply to you also, Houston, and your wonderful family:

 http://www.dramaticImpact.com/breanna

Love, Rob and the Moritz's

I remember seeing Houston for the first time on stage in CYT KC's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." He played the role of Pharaoh, and he blew me away! When God gave me the opportunity to direct Houston in "The Drowsy Chaperone." I learned then how humble and kind and Christ-centered Houston was to everyone he met. David, Theresa, Austin, Crystal, and Maggie - I send daily prayers to our Father for you. I thank God for His gift of you all and Houston in CYT and my life. Love you!!!

Theresa and David,

I just heard about Houston and I am so sorry for your loss. I can't believe it has been 10 years since I have seen you and your family. Even though we lost touch, you were never forgotten and Houston will never be forgotten either. All of the people whose lives he touched will always remember him fondly. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Houston and I were friends for five years. To see one of my good friends go before me is a hard thing to do. Houston was a person I would always laugh with, and now all I can do is laugh alone. I am going to stop by your place of rest one day and again laugh with you. I know you are having fun dancing with MJ singing with Elvis and playing catch with Andre. See you soon.