Vesper Singleton is one of he most respected educators in Knott County, serving as  a principal for over 26 years. Singleton was born August 10, 1928, to Clay and Mae (Ritchie) Singleton at Anco, Ky.  He attended grade school as Sassafras Elementary and high school at Carr Creek, from which he graduated in 1949.  He played basketball at Carr Creek High School and went to Pikeville Junior College on an athletic scholarship.

Vesper and his wife, Juanita Back singleton, Have one daughter, Rebecca Goss; a son-in-law, Mark Goss, and two granddaughters, Elizabeth Clay Goss and Sarah Anne Goss, who live in Harlan.   

Vesper Singleton obtained bachelor's and master's degree from Eastern Kentucky University and additional work at Miami University and additional work at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, the University of Kentucky and Morehead State university He was in the military service for two years, 1954-56.                 

Singleton began his teaching career at Yellow Creek Elementary as principal, coach, and teacher of an eight teacher school from 1951-54.  His teaching career was interrupted by military service and graduate work from 1954- 1958.  He served as teacher and coach at Brodhead High School in 1958-60.

Mr. Singleton returned to Knott County in 1960 and served as a teacher at old Carr Creek High School for one year. He was the principal at the old Carr Creek Elementary 1960-63, the principal of Hindman High School from 1963- 1974 (until consolidation) and was the principal of the new Carr Creek Elementary from 1974 to 1983.  Singleton retired in 1983.

Mr. Singleton is still actively involved in work for and with students in helping them in continuing their education.  He is the chairman and charter member of the WYMT Mountain Classic Tournament Committee, which has raised in excess of $100,000 for schools and scholarships in our area.

Other honors and service by Vesper Singleton include being a former UKREA president, member of Kentucky Education Special Service Committee for years, Board member of Ky. Association of Secondary School Principals, former preside of UKREA  elementary principals, former board member of June Buchanan Clinic, delegate to Governor's Conference on Education in 1977, and member of Advisory Council of  Hazard Appalachian Regional Medical Center.  Singleton is also a member of the Hindman Baptist Church.

 Corbett Mullins
June 6, 2003