Message from Youth Director

I’m Shermarke and in addition to being the Youth Director, I am a lifetime member of Olivet Presbyterian Church. The influence that the Olivet Youth Group had on me when I was growing up led me to become involved in youth ministry. I started out assisting the pastor with the Youth Group, and eventually I was asked to take over as the Youth Director.

Here at Olivet, we see our young people as one of the most important parts of our ministry. As Youth Director, I try my best to come up with programs that engage young people and help them incorporate their faith in God into their daily lives. Youth face many challenges on a daily basis. My goal is to give them a strong sense of faith, self and community to help them deal with all the issues they will encounter.

The Olivet Youth Group is for youth in grades 6-12. Activities include social activities, retreats, Bible study, service projects, mission trips, fundraisers, and much more.

Shermarke Tannis has been the Youth Director at Olivet since 2002, and is an ordained Elder and a musician. He also works as Associate Personnel Administrator at Staten Island DDSO, a New York State agency that provides services for developmentally disabled individuals. A graduate of St. John’s University, has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master's degree in Business Administration.