The moment Tyra Dela Cruz found out she won a prestigious scholarship worth $60,000 became even more meaningful when her 2-year-old daughter entered the room and reached for her.

"I'm shocked; I can't even speak," said Dela Cruz, a single mother of two and soon-to-be microbiology student at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa. She received the surprise news yesterday before one of her classes at Honolulu Community College.

As her daughter Kylie reached out her arms, Dela Cruz saw the reason she went back to school and has worked so hard.

"My children are my life. This is something I can do for my children," she said.

As a Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship recipient, Dela Cruz is considered one of the nation's best and brightest college students. The two-year scholarship, awarded to outstanding students in financial need, will allow her to finish her undergraduate education at the college of her choice.

Dela Cruz has overcome years of hardship to become the third UH community college student in a row to be selected for the scholarship out of hundreds of nominees nationwide. She is one of just 30 students to receive the scholarship this year.

To Dela Cruz, the scholarship means that her financial burden has been lifted. It is also recognition of the years of struggle she has endured to make life better for her family.

"Occasionally, I think about how poor we are and wonder if it's fair for me to be in school instead of working," Dela Cruz wrote in an essay to the scholarship organization. "I have thought about it long and hard and I still feel that the right choice is to continue my education. This is the only way my family can have a chance at a better life."

Dela Cruz has overcome numerous obstacles. In 1988, Dela Cruz lost her first daughter to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. She escaped an abusive relationship and spent months in a domestic violence shelter.

Almost three years ago, after giving birth to Kylie, her third child, Dela Cruz was faced with the possibility of losing welfare benefits if she didn't immediately return to work. But instead of taking what she called a "dead-end job," Dela Cruz chose to go back to school fulltime.

"Through pure grit, determination, hard work and talent, Tyra has been able to start her life over again," said Chris Ann Moore, Dela Cruz's philosophy instructor. Moore was one of two HCC teachers to write recommendation letters for Dela Cruz.

"I write a lot of recommendation letters and I think this is the first time I passionately rooted for a student," Moore said.

Emily Ann Kukulies, director of Student Life and Development at HCC, said Dela Cruz is one of the most humble students she has met. Kukulies also wrote a recommendation letter for her.

"Tyra is an example of what is possible," Kukulies said. She said Dela Cruz has proved that single mothers everywhere can accomplish anything.

"Anyone can do it. More single mothers should go to college," Dela Cruz said.

Each day, with her daughter at her side, Dela Cruz takes the bus to school from her apartment in Pu'uwai Momi public housing complex in Halawa. Her 12-year-old son, Tycio Dela Cruz, then catches the bus to 'Aiea Elementary School.

Kylie attends daycare at HCC while Dela Cruz goes to class and then works at the HCC Student Life and Development Office as a student aide. Dela Cruz then returns to 'Aiea where she makes dinner, helps her son with his homework and then attempts to do some studying while her children play before bed.

"I usually have to wait for them to go to bed before I can do my work," Dela Cruz said. "With a 2-year-old, you can't go on the computer," she said, laughing.

Dela Cruz currently attends school on financial aid and said she would have continued to pursue her degree in microbiology even if she hadn't received the scholarship.

"This is my dream and I'm following my dreams," Dela Cruz said. She later plans to attend medical school.

Dela Cruz said she would someday like to work in a medical mission in an impoverished country to help care for the sick.

"I believe my plan not only will help my family, but will also enable me to serve the community," she said.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.