This fall, the Spector Family Fund was created at Cary Academy. Established in memory of Grey Spector (‘16), and in honor of the entire Spector family’s impact on CA, the Spector Family Fund is a merit-based award that will be given annually to an Upper School student who exemplifies Grey’s spirit—his individuality and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of passions. The award supports the recipient’s tuition for a year. Students are encouraged to apply annually, and faculty members may also nominate students for recognition. 

This weekend the Cary Academy Speech and Debate team will virtually host the first annual Grey Matter Invitational in honor of Grey Spector. Seventeen schools will participate in Varsity and Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate, Varsity and Novice Public Forum Debate, Congressional Debate, and nine speech events (Declamation, Dramatic Interpretation, Extemporaneous Speaking, Humorous Interpretation, Impromptu Speaking, Informative Speaking, Oral Interpretation, Original Oratory, and Program of Oral Interpretation). A true community effort, the inaugural tournament was supported by 25 different CA families and will be judged by a network of nearly 20 CA alumni. Grey’s brother, Cade Spector (’20) will speak at the awards ceremony. All proceeds will benefit the Spector Family Fund. 

A senior at Duke University at the time of his passing in 2020, Grey was the eldest of four Spector sons that attended Cary Academy for their Middle and Upper School careers. Even after graduating, Cary Academy remained an important part of Grey’s life. He credits Cary Academy with encouraging him to pursue his passions. He particularly treasured his time on the Speech and Debate team, where he explored different viewpoints and developed supportive and enduring friendships. After CA, Grey embarked on a successful collegiate career at Duke University, where he earned degrees in philosophy, public policy, and economics, and had recently been admitted to Duke University Law School. 

Applications will be made available to Upper School students in winter of 2021, and the first recipient will be announced during the Upper School Awards Ceremony in May of 2021. 

To learn more about the fund or ways to support it, you can visit or the CA website or contact Ali Page, Director of Development.