Dara Hahn VanPelt

Dara Hahn VanPelt was a force to be reckoned with on the field, on the court, and in the classroom throughout her four years at Manasquan High School. The National Honor Society member, MHS Varsity Scholar, and Senior Class President was one of the premier three-sport athletes of her era.

In basketball under Coach Dick Johnson, she was the driving force behind teams that won three straight division championships and the 1992 NJSIAA Group II State Championship. She finished her career as the all-time MHS leader in career steals (335) and 2nd all-time in career points (1,302). The Star Ledger named her All-State and All-Monmouth County twice; the Asbury Park Press honored her with All-Shore recognition twice.

On the soccer field under Coach Tony Trebino, she was a two-time All-Shore and 1st Team All-State Group II selection. She finished 2nd all-time in total points (107) and assists (35), and 3rd all-time in goals scored (36). In field hockey under Coach Pat Barnaba, she helped her team win the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II Championship and was named 1st Team All-State Group II and 1st Team All-Monmouth County.

Dara was awarded the Dorothy Emerson Award as Manasquan's most outstanding female athlete, the Leonard Stout Memorial Scholarship, and the US Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award. She went on to play women's basketball on scholarship at Monmouth College, before returning to Manasquan to coach girls' soccer and basketball for seven years.