Gjek Palushaj Endowed Scholarship Fund

To honor the legacy of Gjek Palushaj, beloved husband of Notre Dame Prep teacher Katrina Palushaj and father of Andre NDP’15 and Angelina NDP’16, the Palushaj family is establishing an endowment scholarship fund in his memory. Gjek’s life was a beautiful symphony of music, compassion, and learning. Music was his soul’s language, and he believed that education could illuminate lives and build bridges between hearts.

After earning his degree from Prishtina University, Gjek began his journey as a music professor, dedicating his early years to teaching and inspiring others through the arts. Upon immigrating to the United States, he became a business owner yet never let go of his devotion to music. Above all, Gjek will be cherished for his unwavering commitment to his family, his gentle strength and optimism, and the joy and inspiration he brought to everyone he met. Gjek was deeply committed to giving every child the chance to experience the transformative power of music and the arts, regardless of their financial situation. He often reminded his children, “Never forget music and the joy of playing it“—believing that every small musical breakthrough was a moment to be celebrated.

Our goal is to raise $50,000 create a lasting endowment. 100 percent of these donations will be used to provide annual scholarships for students at Notre Dame Preparatory School.

This scholarship is renewable by the recipient each school year until graduation, based on demonstrated need, good citizenship, and academic success.