PASCAGOULA, MS -- Before Holley Cunningham cut the ribbon dedicating the new wheelchair-accessible swing at the Jackson County School for Exceptional Children, she rededicated herself, with the help of others, to do even more.

For her 14th birthday in December 2006, Cunningham, 15, of Pascagoula, began spearheading a project where a new playground would be built for the school, a $200,000 endeavor.

"This is a first step, a beginning for the wonderful children here at the Exceptional School ... and shows that exceptional children can have exceptional play," Cunningham said.

Principal Geraldine Miskel called the swing "one of the greatest things" the school has ever received.

Read more about the project here . There's another article about Holley's efforts here. 

Other tidbits from the article:

• Miskel praised Cunningham's efforts, as did Kiwanis president Frank Corder. "Holley came and spoke to us and shared her dream, her heart with us. It touched our club," Corder said. The Kiwanis Club donated $5,000 toward the swing.
• Bids are pending to purchase equipment for phase I of the large playground project, which is being paid for through a $35,000 donation from the city of Southaven, and $30,000 from various school districts and other donors, all of whom Cunningham recognized and thanked Monday.
• Gautier Elementary Principal Michelle Richmond and GES' PTO President Susan Landry surprised Cunningham with a check for $802.32 raised through a penny drive.
• Cunningham started working for her community when she raised funds for a local shelter at 9 years old and then asked friends and family to donate to organizations and causes instead of giving her birthday gifts.