By J. Michael McCormick, Florida Poison Information Center – Jacksonville/USVI
mail@floridanewsline.com

A Mandarin Middle School student showed she is best in class nationally in video production by capturing first place in the National Poison Prevention Week video contest. Taylor Banks’ video on food poisoning took the top prize for grades five through eight from all across the country. 

Her Mandarin Middle School class had more entries in the contest than all other schools in the nation combined. Teacher Jenny Prescott has encouraged her students to enter the contest for years to help teach the importance of poison prevention for all ages while showing off their video production skills.

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“I have had to call Poison Control twice,” Prescott told her class during a surprise visit to the school from Florida Poison Information Center – Jacksonville director Dr. Dawn Sollee. “It’s an important service.”  

The students showcased the importance of knowing the Poison Control Helpline number 1-800-222-1222 in their videos.

“Students talking to other students is one of the best ways we can reinforce our poison prevention message in this age group,” Sollee said. “We are really proud of Taylor and her classmates for their attention to this important topic, their creative efforts and showcasing the talent we have in Jacksonville Schools.”

Photo courtesy J. Michael McCormick Florida Poison Information Center – Jacksonville/USVI
Taylor Banks from Mandarin Middle School shows Florida Poison Information Center Director Dr. Dawn Sollee her prize for winning the National Poison Prevention Week video contest for middle school students.

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