Introducing The Newest HPWHC Volunteers

Kevin and Rose Sinclair of Spearfish

By Larry Miller

Kevin and Rose Sinclair of Spearfish are the newest volunteers at High Plains Western Heritage Center. They say among the key reasons they’ve signed on is the joy and fascination they share regarding history and public service. Kevin says, “As educators for over 30 years, we enjoy working with students of all ages, and public service is part of who we are – exploring even small ways to give back in some way, shape or form.” The couple met while working at the same elementary school in Gillette, Wyoming.

Born in Chamberlain, South Dakota and raised on a farm near Kimball, SD. Kevin was the oldest of seven children. After graduating from high school, he went to Dakota State College in Madison and received a B.S. in Physical Education and English. He then earned a Master’s in School Counseling at the University of South Dakota, followed by an Ed. Specialist degree from the University of Wyoming. After teaching five years in SD he moved to Gillette, WY in 1989, eventually working as an elementary principal.

Rose – the youngest of four children – was born in California and ended up In Philip, SD, where her dad worked in construction and her mother served as Haakon County Assessor. After high school, she earned an associate RN degree in Casper, WY and worked as a nurse for two years in Cheyenne, WY. She then transitioned to a career in Education and obtained a B.S. in Elementary Education at UW, a Special Ed endorsement from Black Hills State University and a Master’s in School Administration from South Dakota State University. She took a job in Gillette, teaching elementary and special education for 30 years.

As fate would have it, Rose and Kevin met in 2005 while both were working at the same elementary school in Gillette. Rose retired in 2021 and they were married in 2022. Each of them has an adult son.

In September of 2025, the Sinclairs made the move to Spearfish and we’re delighted they’ve tapped the Heritage Center as a place they can continue their demonstrated commitment to service within the community.

We hope you’ll join us in welcoming Kevin and Rose Sinclair!