Hallmark, here she comes.

Grace Einck, a third-grader at Austin Catholic Elementary School, was named State Winner of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Christmas Card Contest. Einck, 8, beat out 502 students in Mower County and nearly 200 students in other counties who made Christmas cards for soldiers overseas and in Veterans Affairs hospitals.

Einck was announced as the winner at the state DAV convention April 29 through May 1. Ruth Collette, chairperson of the Austin DAV and DAV of Minnesota, and Kathy Paine, DAV adjutant, presented Einck with her certificate and monetary award.

The young artist’s creation consisted of red construction paper with a Santa drawn on the front, a snowman on the back and a “Rain Deer” on the inside.

“I wrote by it, ‘He’s cute,’” Einck explained.

Third grade teacher Patty Ulland said all of the students created Christmas cards; however, they did not know they were participating in a contest.

“Grace is very proud she won it, and all the children in the school like to do service,” Ulland said. “Grace’s father was a veteran.”

Einck and second-grader Emily Toland were named regional winners in March. Their parents attended a presentation at the school.

“I am a Gulf War vet,” Grace’s father, Rick Einck, said. “To see the Marines and Airmen crying to get these … thank you from all the veterans.”

Ulland said they do not know which soldiers received their cards.