Adam Spector’s Children Present Scholarships

Siblings Jackson and Jamie Spector presented the first ever Adam Spector Memorial Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each to Huntington High School Class of 2026 members Nyah Grigg and Amani Huq. The awards were presented before an audience of 300 in the high school auditorium.

“The key to my success has been the constant support from my family, specifically my parents, said Ms. Grigg, who plans to study biology at Howard University. “Throughout my high school experience, they have taught me to never give up and to always give 110 percent in everything that I do.”

Jackson and Jamie Spector are both Huntington graduates so their return to the high school stage was especially meaningful.

“The key to my success has been constantly setting goals for myself and reminding myself that I am in a place where I can grow in all aspects,” said Ms. Huq, who intends to pursue a degree in neuroscience/cognitive science at Cornell University. She anticipates a career as a physician.

Adam Spector was passionate about the Huntington School District, its students, teachers and parents. The popular trustee, who was re-elected in May 2014 after running unopposed for a second three-year term, passed away in late June 2014 after a courageous battle against cancer.

After growing up in Old Bethpage, Mr. Spector attended Binghamton University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management from Binghamton's School of Management.

A resident of the district for more than two decades, Mr. Spector and his devoted wife Meredith sent their children Jackson and Jamie through the Huntington school system.

Mr. Spector spent many years in the field of corporate technology management in New York’s financial district, where he worked for some of the world’s largest banks. He helped develop and manage two separate technology consultant firms, including one focused on serving families and small businesses in the Huntington area. He most recently focused his energy on his family, school district and community.

A fierce advocate for what he believed in, Mr. Spector participated district activities on many different levels. He served on multiple shared decision-making teams and had an extensive resume of PTA executive leadership. He coached youth soccer and could regularly be found sitting in the crowd at school and community events.

Elected to his first term on the school board in May 2011, Mr. Spector was later chosen to serve as that body’s vice-president. He played a key role in the reopening of Jack Abrams School as a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) magnet school and in reinstating the district’s full-day kindergarten program for the 2014/15 school year.

Mr. Spector was interested in the district providing educational programs and services in the most cost-effective manner while also encouraging students to strive for excellence in all areas. He worked closely with fellow trustees and then Superintendent James W. Polansky to provide the young people of the community with the best education possible.

Even while he was ill, Mr. Spector could be found attending meetings and events throughout the district. His fighting spirit was an inspiration to all those he crossed paths with and will forever be remembered by his friends and colleagues.

The Huntington School Board and district administration released the following statement in late June 2014:

“It is with heavy hearts that the Huntington Board of Education and administration mourn the passing of our friend and colleague, Adam Spector. Adam was a trustee, an active community member and a parent who advocated for all. He passionately devoted his time and energy to this school district.

“In the time that he served on the school board, Adam helped facilitate the re-opening of Jack Abrams as a STEM magnet school and the restoration of full-day kindergarten. He fiercely defended transparency and equity in everything that he did.

“He loved his work on the school board and we will feel his absence at every board meeting. No one can match his enthusiasm and passion for our district and for doing what’s right.

“We send our deepest condolences to his wife Meredith, his children and his extended family. Adam was to begin his second term as a trustee next week. He made us smile and laugh every day and we will sorely miss him.”