Moved to Champion the Future of Middle School Education

Shady Side Academy has embarked on a transformative journey with the construction of the new Rockwell Middle School, a project that will shape the future of education for generations to come. Among the many champions of this ambitious initiative is alumnus and trustee Doug Mancosh ’76.

Mancosh’s connection to Shady Side runs deep, and his significant contributions reflect both his commitment to the institution and his belief in the power of education.

Doug’s deep connection to Shady Side and the Middle School, in particular, is evident in his generous financial support over the years. His support extends to the new Middle School project, where he has both given financially and become a passionate advocate.

As the son of the beloved former Middle School Head, David Mancosh, Doug grew up living on the current Middle School campus, steeped in the values and community of the Academy. “I was constantly surrounded by teachers who were not just exceptional educators, but exceptional human beings,” said Doug. “The great thing about Shady Side is that it is a place that offers you sight lines to what you can be if you are willing to do the work. I didn’t have to look far for multiple examples of different types of success.”

The reality is that Shady Side is evolving. The current Middle School, as beautiful as it is, simply can’t meet the demands of today’s educational mission.”

Because his childhood was intertwined with the School, Doug’s emotional connection to the Middle School campus runs deep. “The Middle School, in its current location, is a storybook setting,” Doug acknowledges. “It’s an incredible building that has a lot of sentimental value for many of us. It served the needs of its time, and it was hard to imagine giving that up.”

However, as the campus master planning process unfolded, his perspective evolved. “The reality is that Shady Side is evolving,” he explains. “The current Middle School, as beautiful as it is, simply can’t meet the demands of today’s educational mission. The Academy has grown in size, and with advancements in technology and the changing needs of students, we require facilities that can support a dynamic and increasingly sophisticated learning environment. Emotionally, it can be tough to let go. But academically, it’s the right decision.”

Doug credits Shady Side’s proven track record in building state-of-the-art educational spaces with helping to convince him that this move was in the best interest of the School’s future. “The Academy has shown a lot of competency in creating excellent academic spaces,” he says. “Look at the McIlroy Center for Science and Innovation or the renovation of the Class of 1966 Memorial Hall Library—the quality of these spaces is astounding. I have full confidence in Shady Side’s ability to deliver a world-class facility for the Middle School.”

The new Rockwell Middle School—a part of Shady Side’s Campus Master Plan—is a 49,000-square-foot building currently being constructed on the Senior School campus. It is designed to provide middle school students with a modern, engaging learning environment. From the outset, the goal was to create a space that not only meets the practical needs of students but also fosters a sense of community and creativity.

“The new facility is the complete and total package for an educational institution,” Doug says with excitement. “It’s been designed to handle the needs of middle school students efficiently, with the right size and scope to accommodate learning in all its forms.”

Key features of the new building include 14 spacious classrooms connected by breakout spaces, allowing for both individual instruction and small group work. There will also be two open teaming spaces that can serve as flexible classrooms where students can collaborate on group projects, study sessions, or even interdisciplinary lessons.

For Doug, supporting the Middle School project is not just a reflection of his personal connection to Shady Side, but also a testament to the importance of giving back. “If you have the philanthropic capacity—whether that is giving monetarily or with your time—you have to utilize it for things that are important to you,” Doug emphasizes. “Shady Side has played an important role in my life, and I believe strongly in the future of the institution. The Middle School is a critical part of that future—and it’s an important part of my past—so I’m proud to fully support the project.”

The Middle School has always been an important part of Shady Side, and this new facility will ensure that it continues to be a place where students can grow, learn, and thrive.”

As the Rockwell Middle School continues to take shape, Doug’s involvement in the project is a powerful example of how alumni and supporters can have a lasting impact on the future of Shady Side Academy. “The Middle School has always been an important part of Shady Side, and this new facility will ensure that it continues to be a place where students can grow, learn, and thrive,” he says. “I encourage everyone who believes in the power of education and the future of this institution to consider how they can support this project.”

The new Rockwell Middle School will soon open its doors, ushering in a new era for Shady Side Academy. With the unwavering support of alumni like Doug Mancosh, the School’s legacy of excellence will continue to grow, ensuring that the next generation of students has access to the best possible education in an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and community.

As Doug puts it, “The future of Shady Side is bright, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”