Reusable water bottles can be found everywhere at schools. Most students have one, as well as staff. It’s common to get caught up with schoolwork or conversation, and leave one behind.

At Salem Middle, wayward bottles aren’t stored in a dusty box under the counter at the front office. No way. Art teacher Jennifer Mazur looks after the bottles. She gives each of them a name, number and personal traits, which are printed on a card. She puts them in the school’s display case with heart-themed artwork and invited students to claim their “lost loves.”

The idea came from a “Found Bottles” display she saw on social media.

“I thought that it would be fun to do something similar in our building, because we have a plethora of ‘lost bottles,’ ” Mazur said.

Bottle names include Brenda, the babysitter; Pretty in Pink, the shy one; and Thor, who fills himself up with protein drinks. How does she come up with the names?

“It is all about personification,” she said. “The first few bottles I had an eighth grade student helper (Maddie Stone) collaborate with me on names and descriptions. We would look closely at the bottles to determine if they had any defining features that we could personify. After that initial day, I was on my own. Teachers stop by periodically with new lost bottles — so, I have fun adding even more.”

The background art in the display case came from students in Mazur’s art club.

“Since art club was making heart prints and marble prints on heart shaped paper, this aided the theme for the Lost Loves display, which also happened to be relevant for celebrating Valentine’s Day and the Valentine’s Dance. The  display case is located just outside of the gym doors.”

Although the display was meant for fun, it’s evoked some thoughtful questions. What is art?  Is a display curated around “bottles” a nod to American consumerism? Is it demonstrating a healthier society who is more caring about the world?

No single use bottles are on display. And morning announcements ask students to check out the display, leading to many sweet — and refreshing — reunions.