PALUSHAJ ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORTS STUDENT PASSION IN THE ARTS

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June 2, 2026

For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click here.

Endowed Scholarship Fund to support NDP students and honor the life of Gjek (Jake) Palushaj and his love of music and arts.

Notre Dame Prep is honored to announce the creation of the Gjek Palushaj Endowed Scholarship Fund, established by the Palushaj family in memory of the beloved husband of upper school teacher Katrina Palushaj and father of alumni Andre NDP’15 and Angelina NDP’16.

Gjek’s life was a beautiful symphony of music, compassion and learning. After earning his degree from Prishtina University in Kosovo, he began his career as a music professor, dedicating his early years to teaching and inspiring others through the arts. When he immigrated to the United States, he became a business owner, but he never let go of his devotion to music.

Gjek, who passed away in 2026 after a lengthy illness, will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his gentle strength and optimism and the joy and inspiration he brought to everyone he met.

“He believed deeply that every child should have the chance to experience the transformative power of music and the arts, regardless of financial circumstances,” Katrina said.

He often reminded his children, “Never forget music and the joy of playing it,” believing that every small musical breakthrough was a moment worth celebrating.

“Gjek believed that music could change a child's life," Katrina said. "As a music teacher, he found so much joy in helping students discover their talents and build confidence through the arts. Creating this scholarship is a way for our family to honor his memory and continue his lifelong commitment to helping students pursue their dreams."

The scholarship will be awarded based on demonstrated need, good citizenship and academic success and renewable each school year until the recipient’s graduation.

The goal is to raise $50,000 to create a lasting endowment. To date, more than $11,000 has already been raised toward this goal.

For current and future NDP families, the Gjek Palushaj Endowed Scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It is a tribute to a life rooted in love, learning and the arts — and a meaningful investment in students who will carry those values forward.

Families, alumni and friends are invited to help build this lasting legacy. Every gift brings the Palushaj family’s vision closer to reality and helps ensure that deserving students can experience the formation, opportunity and community that define an NDP education.

To support the Gjek Palushaj Endowed Scholarship Fund, you can visit the campaign page to make your gift.

For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click here.

Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org

About Notre Dame Preparatory School
"At Notre Dame Prep, we inspire our students to become the best versions of themselves. We challenge them through an experience of academic excellence, focused on active, project-based learning. We invite them to explore a world of opportunities beyond the classroom. We guide them as they grow in spirituality within a community strong in its Catholic and Marist identity."

Notre Dame Preparatory School is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. Notre Dame Preparatory School's upper school enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame Prep's middle and lower schools enroll students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. All three schools are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDP is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the National Association of Independent Schools. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School, visit the school’s home page at www.ndpma.org.