As the general election was winding down earlier this week, a nice human interest story unfolded over at the Hormel Foods corporate office.

Patrick Sheehan, a fourth grader at Austin Catholic Elementary, was named the winner of Hormel’s annual Home+Heart+Art holiday greeting card contest for a winter scene he drew of Santa Claus, a reindeer and a snowman.

Contestants were asked to create artwork representing one of the following themes: holiday decoration, winter activities, family fun/celebration and giving.

The contest was open to all dependents and non-professional artists of Hormel employees in kindergarten through 12th grade, and Patrick’s artwork was chosen over more than 40 entries.

For winning, Patrick received a $500 art scholarship to be sent directly to the institution or store of his choice and applied to the cost of materials, art supplies or art education.

Instead of keeping the funds for his benefit, he donated the money to Austin Catholic Schools so his classmates can enjoy it as well.

Mary Holtorf, director of Austin Catholic Schools, was amazed by the generous gift, and we are too.

Many times students look to adults as role models in their lives, and from time to time, perhaps we should look to them.

When it comes down to it, folks of all ages can learn from what Patrick did.

It was a very caring and unselfish thing to do.