2022 Harrison M. Sayre Award Honorees

Jerrie Mock Takes Off!

On March 19, 1964, Ohioan Jerrie Mock stepped into her single-engine Cessna, “Spirit of Columbus,” and into history as the first woman to fly solo around the world. Traveling for 29 days and 22,860 miles, she landed back in Columbus, Ohio, on April 17, 1964.

More than just the name of a plane that made history, The Spirit of Columbus is what distinguishes and inspires us today. Every year on April 17, the Foundation recognizes members of our community who, like Jerrie, represent the true spirit of our community with The Spirit of Columbus Award, also known as The Jerries®.

Click the Spirit tab below to see past Spirit of Columbus award honorees!

Spirit

More than 50 years ago, Jerrie Mock became the first woman to fly around the globe solo. On March 19, 1964, Jerrie, then a Bexley resident a…

More than 50 years ago, Jerrie Mock became the first woman to fly around the globe solo. On March 19, 1964, Jerrie, then a Bexley resident and mother of three, climbed into her single-engine Cessna, “Spirit of Columbus,” and took off from Port Columbus International Airport.

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Spirit

Mock’s historic journey lasted 29 days as she flew more than 23,000 miles. Stops included Bermuda, Egypt, Libya, and Saudi Arabia where she…

Mock’s historic journey lasted 29 days as she flew more than 23,000 miles. Stops included Bermuda, Egypt, Libya, and Saudi Arabia where she was met with applause when the men realized she was unaccompanied.

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Spirit

Mock landed safely back at Port Columbus on April 17, 1964. President Lyndon Johnson presented Mock with the Federal Aviation Agency's Gold…

Mock landed safely back at Port Columbus on April 17, 1964. President Lyndon Johnson presented Mock with the Federal Aviation Agency's Gold Medal for Exceptional Service on May 4, 1964.

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Spirit

Originally published in 1970, Mock detailed her flight and stories from around the world in her book, Three-Eight Charlie.

Originally published in 1970, Mock detailed her flight and stories from around the world in her book, Three-Eight Charlie.

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Spirit

On April 17, 2014, a life-size bronze statue of Jerrie holding a globe was unveiled at Port Columbus International Airport.

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Community

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2022	Joanna Pinkerton + COTA
2021	Roshelle "Food Soldier" Pate
2020	Dr. Amy Acton
2019	Save The Crew
2018	Suzan Bradford, Queen Brooks, Duarte Brown, William Evans, Corey Favor, Sheri Neale, Marshall Shorts, Cristyn Steward, Carnell Willoughby and Scott Woods
2017	Michelle Alexander
2016	Tanny Crane and Jane Grote Abell
2015	Mayor Michael B. Coleman
2014	Denny Griffith
2013	Jeni Britton Bauer and David Brown
	Inaugural Honoree: Jerrie Mock