The latest blimp from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., launched earlier this spring, finally has a name, thanks to an Ohio schoolteacher.
Matthew Harrelson of Uniontown, Ohio, submitted the winning name, Spirit of Innovation, in the company’s Name the Blimp contest. His reward: Use of a blimp for a day.
“I can’t believe I won the Goodyear Blimp for a day,” said Harrelson. “Living in Northern Ohio, my family and I have seen the Goodyear blimp many times — but to be able to win it for a day? This is just great!”
Harrelson, who teaches chemistry at Hudson High School in Hudson, Ohio, said he would like to take his family and some friends for a ride, donate at least one ride to charity and do something special for the schools where he and his wife teach. “I’ve been discussing the options with my wife, who is also a teacher, and I’m sure we’ll come up with something great,” he said.
From the more than 21,000 unique names submitted, a panel of judges selected 10 finalists. Those names were posted online, with America and a panel of Goodyear judges voting for their favorites. The other finalists included: American Dream, Freedom, Liberty, Patriot, Patriot of Peace, Pride of America, Spirit of Endurance, Spirit of Ingenuity, and Spirit of Peace.