安徽省示范高中培优联盟春季联赛2024-2025学年高二英语试题
一、听力选择题
1．Where will the man go last
A．The supermarket. B．The butcher’s. C．The bakery.
2．What is the woman expecting
A．Brochures. B．Books. C．Office supplies.
3．What made the man dissatisfied with his trip
A．The flight. B．The guide. C．The camp.
4．What is the relationship between the speakers
A．Husband and wife. B．Doctor and patient. C．Colleagues.
5．What are the speakers talking about
A．A bookstore. B．A supermarket. C．A restaurant.
听下面一段对话，回答以下小题。
6．What is the purpose of the call
A．To discuss a project.
B．To place an advertisement.
C．To request decorating service.
7．Why is the woman unavailable this week
A．She plans to go on vacation.
B．She is tied up with more duties.
C．She will conduct several interviews.
听下面一段对话，回答以下小题。
8．What is the woman going to write about for the school newspaper
A．The sports events. B．The leaving party. C．The discussion club.
9．What is the man going to be this term
A．The photographer. B．The editor. C．The designer.
听下面一段对话，回答以下小题。
10．How did the man feel about the film at first
A．Uninterested. B．Confused. C．Disappointed.
11．What is the woman surprised at about the film
A．The lead actors. B．The storyline. C．The final scene.
12．How should students learn literature according to the woman
A．By writing book reviews.
B．By talking about it in class.
C．By watching film adaptations.
听下面一段对话，回答以下小题。
13．Why did the woman start to talk with the Greeks
A．She felt a little lonely.
B．She was eager to learn Greek.
C．She wanted to practice English.
14．How long did the woman talk with the Greeks in the week
A．3.5 hours. B．5 hours. C．7 hours.
15．When did the woman have the idea of being a teacher
A．After she entered university.
B．After she chatted with the Greeks.
C．After she passed some teaching exams.
16．What is the woman’s personality
A．Shy. B．Caring. C．Talkative.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
17．When did coffee spread globally according to a tale
A．By the ninth century.
B．By the fifteenth century.
C．By the seventeenth century.
18．What did Kaldi find about coffee beans
A．They smelt good.
B．They had him energetic.
C．They made his sheep wide awake.
19．Who first made coffee beans into a hot drink
A．A farmer. B．A leader. C．A chef.
20．Where did coffee shops first appear
A．In Yemen. B．In Britain. C．In America.
二、阅读理解
Your mental qualities like problem-solving, memory, focus, and attention span change over time, for better or worse. The good news is that brain training exercises can help you increase performance and hold off mental decline as you age. If you want to boost your brainpower, here are some simple things you can work into your day-to-day life!
Find a new path
The routes you take to work, school, or home are probably rooted into your memory. After you’ve done it so many times, it becomes easy. Well, that ease isn’t firing up your neurons! Instead of driving the same roads, take an unexpected turn. You can use side streets instead of the highway and vice versa. Another method to change your route is to open your window if the weather permits and identify the sounds and smells you experience. Change comes in many forms, and these sensory changes can help you remember new roads.
Play observation games
Our brains choose to ignore information it thinks unnecessary. What color shirt was the cashier wearing at the store last time What was the name of that supporting character on the TV show your roommate was watching Chances are, you don’t know. But you can — if you choose to pay attention. You can play a daily observation game to improve your focus and memory. Choose one quality to observe and look for it everywhere. For example, you could focus on people’s fashion, their eye colors, or identifying their emotions. By giving your brain a stimulus (刺激), you’re working it out and strengthening it.
Tell stories
No, this one isn’t advice about lying. Your stories should be memories, whether you’ve experienced the story or heard about it from someone else. Every morning, think about a story and then prepare to tell others. If you want, you can even rehearse it. The key is to make it engaging, and if you can, make it more engaging every time you tell it. This will help you in your social life, and it’s a great way to exercise your memory.
21．Why does the author suggest opening the window
A．To welcome the fresh air. B．To appreciate the scenery.
C．To help you remember new roads. D．To check the local weather conditions
22．Which of the following might the author agree with
A．Focusing on the details will strengthen your memory.
B．Observing strangers’ clothing may disturb privacy.
C．Playing observation games will only appeal to children.
D．Supporting characters on the show are too minor to notice.
23．Which section of a magazine is the text probably taken from
A．Science and technology. B．Nature and geography.
C．Language and culture. D．Sports and fitness.
In less than two weeks since its release on Jan. 29, at the start of the Chinese New Year holiday, Ne Zha 2, an animated film based loosely on Chinese mythology (神话) and a famous 16th century novel, has become the highest-grossing movie ever in China, with more than $1.3 billion in ticket sales. It is also the first film not made by a Hollywood studio to cross that mark.
Ne Zha 2 is a follow-up to what had been the highest-grossing animated film in China. In the 2019 original, Nezha is born as the rebirth of a demon (恶魔) with supernatural powers, but destined to live only three years. He fights back against his fate and saves his village. In the follow-up, Nezha revisits a similar theme. He challenges the political order and authority governing gods and demons, fighting the Dragon King of the Four Seas and other creatures.
The blockbuster delivered good news for the Chinese film industry, which is struggling with weak ticket sales and a falling economy. “Ne Zha 2 is the rare movie that hits all the marks,” said an independent Chinese film critic. “It targets all groups, and has successfully won over all of them.” The film, distributed by CMC Pictures, will be released in North America on Friday.
China Daily, a state-run newspaper, said in an opinion essay that Ne Zha 2 symbolizes the country’s “growing cultural confidence.” It called it evidence that China’s entertainment industry is telling its own stories instead of relying on Western studios to make movies based on Chinese folklore, citing Mulan from Walt Disney Studios as an example. “Ne Zha 2 reclaims the storytelling duty, proving that no one can narrate China’s myths better than China itself.” the essay stated.
Traditional Chinese culture has also inspired breakthroughs in other forms of entertainment. In video games, Black Myth: Wukong, based on a classic 16th century Chinese novel called “Journey to the West” was an instant hit when it came out last year.
24．What do you know about Ne Zha 2
A．It follows a totally different theme from its original.
B．It’s an animated film strictly adapted from a Chinese mythology.
C．It tells of a demonic child who fights against his fate and saves his village.
D．It’s the first homegrown film to become the highest-grossing one in China.
25．What most probably contributes to Ne Zha 2’s success
A．Its releasing time. B．Its appeal to all groups.
C．Its excellent special effects. D．Its professional production team.
26．Why is Black Myth: Wukong mentioned in the last paragraph
A．To prove that Black Myth: Wukong is as good as Ne Zha 2.
B．To indicate that China’s film industry is relying on itself.
C．To boost the growing cultural confidence of Chinese people.
D．To stress the inspiration of traditional Chinese culture in entertainment.
27．What might be a suitable title for the text
A．Mulan: A Walt Disney product based on Chinese folklore
B．China Daily: A state-run newspaper thinking highly of Ne Zha 2
C．Ne Zha 2: An animated hit breaking box office records at home
D．Ne Zha 2: A home grown animation to be released in North America
Shopping has long been a popular way to lift the spirits. Whether it is buying a new outfit or a garage, the act of purchasing something new often brings a sense of joy. This phenomenon, often called “retail therapy”, has become widely accepted despite its potential drawbacks. But why does retail therapy seem to work so well
First, shopping provides a short-term happiness boost. Research shows that acquiring new items may lead to a surge of excitement and satisfaction. This is especially true when people find something that lines up with their tastes. Additionally, shopping offers emotional distraction, giving individuals a temporary escape from stress or sadness. For many, the process of looking at and selecting items is comforting.
Retail therapy also enhances self-expression and confidence. The items people choose often reflect their values and references, helping them feel more connected to their identities. Finding the “perfect” item or scoring a great deal can create a sense of achievement. Moreover, the act of shopping gives people a feeling of control during times of uncertainty, as they can make choices freely in a controlled environment.
However, retail therapy isn’t only about the purchases. The social aspect of shopping plays a key role too. Going shopping with friends or family fosters bonding and creates shared experiences. These positive interactions contribute to overall happiness and wellbeing.
While retail therapy can provide temporary relief, it’s important to practice moderation. Excessive shopping may lead to financial stress and regrets. Nevertheless, while done mindfully, it can be a valuable tool for improving mood and coping with emotional challenges.
28．What might be the reason for people to engage in retail therapy
A．Passing their leisure time. B．Experiencing brief happiness.
C．Showing off their belongings. D．Seeking control over material basis.
29．How does shopping help enhance self-esteem
A．By fostering competition among friends. B．By enabling people to make free choices.
C．By encouraging responsible financial habits. D．By reflecting personal values through purchases.
30．What is a potential downside of retail therapy
A．It can result in social isolation. B．It may lead to financial problems.
C．It prompts poor time management. D．It lessens emotional bonds with others.
31．What is the author’s attitude toward retail therapy
A．Cautiously optimistic. B．Slightly critical.
C．Completely supportive. D．Entirely dismissive.
It’s probably not surprising that a new study has linked added sugar consumption to an increased risk of heart disease, but a less expected discovery is that those who have an occasional sweet treat appear to be at a reduced risk of cardiovascular (心血管的) problems. Eating a pastry, cake, or chocolate bar every so often may be better for your heart than a “zero-sugar” diet, which might cause nutrient deficiencies and energy crashes, etc., according to the research team from Lund University in Sweden.
The researchers looked at records of 69,705 people in Swedish public health databases. The participants, aged between 45 and 83, were quizzed on their diet and lifestyle in 1997 and 2009, then tracked up to 2019. Sugar intake was grouped into three categories: sugary toppings(like honey), sweet treats(like pastries and sweets), and sweetened beverages (like fizzy drinks).Type of added sugar consumed was then cross-referenced (相互对照) against seven types of cardiovascular diseases, including strokes and heart attacks, with several other risk factors(such as smoking) accounted for.
The associations varied between sugar type and heart disease type. Overall though, the lowest risks across all cardiovascular diseases were found in those who limited themselves to a sweet treat every now and again.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to the different ways in which we get our sugar: what other foods and drinks we have with the sugar, for example, as well as how regularly we include added sugar in our diet. “Liquid sugars, found in sweetened beverages, typically provide less satiety than solid forms — they make you feel less full — potentially leading to overconsumption,” says Janzi. “Context also matters — treats are often enjoyed in social settings or special occasions, while sweetened beverages might be consumed more regularly.”
Bear in mind that these findings hint at relationships, rather than proving cause and effect. They also don’t factor in other health consequences — like damage to teeth for example-and need to be taken in context with what we already know about sugar.
32．What is the less expected discovery of a new study
A．A zero-sugar diet proves to be the most healthy one.
B．A sweet tooth is the most likely to develop heart diseases.
C．Eating sweets once in a while may do good to your heart.
D．Consuming too much sugar increases risks of heart diseases.
33．How do researchers conduct the study
A．By consulting doctors. B．By doing experiments.
C．By analyzing databases. D．By interviewing patients.
34．What does the underlined word “satiety” in paragraph 4 refer to
A．Fullness. B．Sweetness. C．Comfort. D．Relief.
35．What does the last paragraph mainly tell us
A．The benefits of the findings. B．The limitations of the findings.
C．The application of the findings. D．The further research of the findings.
Are all the emails and social media notifications making you anxious or getting you down Is having to learn yet another new piece of software stressing you out Are the boundaries between family life and work life unclear because of technology 36 The term is used to describe the negative psychological effect that using new technologies can have.
Though many people may not be familiar with technostress, they probably are familiar with the feelings of having too much technology in their lives. Technostress can be broken down into a few subcategories including techno-overload, techno-complexity and techno-invasion. 37
Technostress may make people feel down or burned-out and even suffer from depression. Some may feel tension in the body, which can lead to headaches and back pain. 38 That is why dealing with technostress is vital to overall health.
39 Acknowledge that it’s a sign of strength and courage to recognize a mental health challenge and take steps to manage it. Experts encourage people struggling with technostress to take steps in the workplace to get involved in how technology may be used.
Taking time each day to get outside is also a great way. By all accounts, there’s almost nothing that aids in stress management so much as a few hours spent in the park, the woods or the mountains. 40 Hours spent on the computer may be perceived as stressful but the stressors can be seen as more bearable if on this day one can look forward to a walk in nature. Just go outside and nature never disappoints.
A．All of them can have significant effects on health.
B．It’s not a medical problem but can lead to diseases.
C．Such time is one ready resource available to most people.
D．In the connected world, most people continuously multitask.
E．You may be experiencing a phenomenon known as technostress.
F．Engaging in activities that are grounding and centering is helpful.
G．The first thing to do is to accept that it’s normal to have stress from technology.
三、完形填空
For most 12-year-olds, any free time after school is spent hanging out with friends, competing in sports, or playing video games. But Alejandro Buxton has another 41 each week: making all natural candles that he 42 online and at a local mall.
The idea was inspired by his mother, Patricia Buxton, who had to 43 many of the scented candles after realizing the chemicals within them were 44 her allergies (过敏反应), causing her frequent headaches. “My mom really loves candles,” he said. “It was hard to see that she was 45 .” So, at just 9 years old, Alejandro started experimenting with making his own, mixing 46 like soy and coconut wax (蜡) with essential oils. He 47 his first model after his favorite dinosaur “Jurassic Orange” for its color and fragrance. His mother liked it very much, and the scent didn’t cause her head to 48 .
Soon after, Alejandro began selling his products on his own 49 . Now, he is operating his 50 in a location as well. He opened a stand in D．C．’s Tysons Corner shopping center-making him the youngest 51 at the mall.
Besides 52 fellow kids with his business spirit and talent, Alcjandro is also a (n) 53 role model for giving back and making a difference. He 54 some of his profits to a local charity. He said, “We can 55 the world by helping each other.”
41．A．pursuit B．burden C．assignment D．chore
42．A．consults B．sells C．lights D．shows
43．A．sort out B．burn away C．cut up D．give up
44．A．curing B．spreading C．removing D．worsening
45．A．sad B．desperate C．sleepy D．crazy
46．A．products B．ingredients C．foods D．elements
47．A．named B．prepared C．arranged D．advertised
48．A．shake B．nod C．ache D．bend
49．A．store B．website C．stand D．right
50．A．machine B．project C．business D．factory
51．A．inventor B．customer C．maker D．renter
52．A．inspiring B．providing C．presenting D．combining
53．A．honest B．positive C．wealthy D．generous
54．A．owes B．declares C．donates D．reports
55．A．conquer B．rule C．create D．change
四、语法填空
阅读下面材料，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
The delicate craftsmanship of leaf-vein embroidery (叶脉绣) in Tongren city, Guizhou province, has made Guizhou embroidery one of the major styles in China. Leaf-vein embroidery first appeared in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), and 56 (use) to transmit information by several ethnic (民族的) groups in the southwestern region ever since.
Yang Li, an inheritor (继承人) of this technique, has combined the traditional embroidery of the Miao, Tujia, and Dong ethnic groups into the leaves, 57 (showcase) the combination of traditional aesthetics (美学) and contemporary craftsmanship.
Leaf-vein embroidery artwork boasts a highly collectible and 58 (art) value due to its complex production process. The key steps include selecting and drying the leaves, then designing and embroidering the pattern. 59 (obtain) from rare plants in the primitive forests of the Fanjing Mountain scenic area in Tongren, the leaves with harder veins 60 are about to fall in autumn serve as the best raw material.
After being naturally soften over the next 20 days, the leaves are warmed and smoked 61 (preserve) them. When soft, the leaves are also 62 (extreme) fragile. Patterns inspired by ancient stories and nature are drawn 63 the processed veins.
Due to the laborious process and low yield of high-quality products, passing down the traditional skill faces 64 (challenge). “I have introduced this technique to universities, communities, villages and even selected skilled embroiderers to learn leaf-vein embroidery skills, 65 very few have been able to persevere,” Yang said.
五、书信写作
66．假定你是李华，为了参加学校英语社组织的英语诗歌比赛，你写了一首英文诗，想请学校的外教Mr. Smith帮你修改一下。请你给他写一封邮件，内容包括：
1．写信事由；
2．说明情况；
3．表示感谢。
注意：
1．词数80左右；
2．可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
Dear Mr. Smith,
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sincerely yours,
Li Hua
六、书面表达
67．阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。
The final buzzer sounded, signaling the end of my high school basketball career. As I walked off the court for the last time, the scoreboard displayed our disturbing loss: 68-72. My heart sank as I realized I’d never wear the blue and gold jersey again.
The locker room was unusually quiet that night. No one spoke as we changed out of our uniforms. I sat on the wooden bench, staring at the number 23 on my jersey, remembering how proud I’d been when I first earned it three years ago. My fingers traced the slightly worn edges where I’d pulled it on and off countless times.
“Hey, Mike,” Coach Johnson’s voice broke the silence. “Can I talk to you for a minute ”
I followed him to his office, the weight of the loss still heavy in my chest.
“Mike,” he began, his voice softer than usual, “I know tonight didn’t go the way we wanted, but I want you to know something.” He leaned forward, his elbows on the desk. “You’ve been the heart of this team for three years. Your leadership, your dedication — it’s been remarkable to watch.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but he held up his hand.
“Basketball is about more than just winning games,” he continued. “It’s about the lessons we learn, the character we build. And you, Mike, have grown into an exceptional young man through this sport.”
As I left the locker room that night, I noticed a group of students waiting outside. Among them was Emily Carter, a quiet girl from my English class who I’d partnered with on a project last semester.
“Mike,” she said hesitantly, stepping forward. “We just wanted to say… thank you.”
I blinked, confused. “Thank me For what ”
“For always playing with heart,” she said, her voice gaining confidence. “Win or lose, you never gave up. You inspired us to keep trying in our own lives, even when things get tough.”
The other students nodded in agreement, and in that moment, I realized that maybe Coach Johnson was right. Maybe basketball was about more than just the score at the end of the game.
注意：
1．续写词数应为150左右;
2．请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。
I stood there, my basketball bag slung over my shoulder, completely astonished by their words.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
When I got home, the porch light was on, and I could see my parents waiting through the living room window.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
题号 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
答案 C B A B C C B C A B
题号 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
答案 A B A C B A C C B A
题号 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
答案 C A D D B D C B D B
题号 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
答案 A C C A B E A B G C
题号 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
答案 A B D D A B A C B C
题号 51 52 53 54 55
答案 D A B C D
1．C
【原文】W: Could you pass by the butcher’s to pick something up for dinner
M: I’ll get something from the supermarket. I don’t want to run all across town.
W: Well, at least pass by the baker’s on your way back to pick up a cake.
M: Will do.
2．B
【原文】W: Did the package I was waiting for finally come in last night
M: You mean the one with the new brochures
W: No, that came in yesterday morning. The one with the books.
M: The only thing I found this morning were the office supplies.
3．A
【原文】W: How did you like the Grand Canyon
M: Apart from the kid sitting next to me getting sick during the helicopter ride, we had a fantastic time. We went into the canyon on donkeys with a guide. We also camped at the bottom of the canyon.
4．B
【原文】W: What seems to be the problem today
M: Well, I’ve had this really bad headache. My wife suggested I should ask for sick leave and come to see you.
W: Hm, any other problems
M: I had a bit of a sore throat.
5．C
【原文】M: I read so many great reviews about this place.
W: Are you sure this is the place you read about There isn’t even a line.
M: Yes, that’s a little odd.
W: Well, let’s order and see if this place is as good.
6．C 7．B
【原文】W: Good morning. I own a shop that sells women’s clothing, and I want to update the fitting room area.
M: We can certainly help you with that, ma’am. The first step would be to visit your store to take measurements and discuss the project in detail. Would Wednesday morning work for you
W: Not this week. Several of my employees are on vacation, so I’m busy covering their responsibilities. How about doing it next Tuesday instead
M: That’s OK.
8．C 9．A
【原文】M: So, are you writing anything for the school newspaper They need reports on football matches. Do you fancy that
W: I do, but they’ve already got someone to cover the sports events. I was asked to do a piece on the discussion club. I accepted but really wanted to do something on the leaving party for Mr. Green.
M: Oh well. I suppose Sam’s going to be the editor again this term.
W: Really I thought you were interested. Will you be the photographer again
M: Well, I’ve agreed to take it on. But I’d like someone to suggest that I work as the designer. That’s another job I think I could do.
10．B 11．A 12．B
【原文】W: So, was the film any good
M: Well, I think you’d enjoy it. And there were some funny bits.
W: Doesn’t sound like you were very impressed.
M: No, I did like it. I couldn’t figure out what was going on half the time. That was the only thing that ruined it a bit for me. It wasn’t until the conclusion that it all sort of made sense. And the final scene was very powerful.
W: I’m surprised they chose such young actors for the main roles. The characters are meant to be middle-aged.
M: Well, I didn’t have any issues with that. The performers all did a good job. Maybe if schools showed film adaptations of classic novels, more students would enjoy literature.
W: But there’s something unique about great literature that you can’t get from films. It’s better to bring novels to life through class discussions.
M: I guess!
13．A 14．C 15．B 16．A
【原文】M: How did you become a teacher
W: I had never planned to teach! It just happened. I went traveling after university and I was in Greece. I was walking through a park and I heard some people practicing English. I was feeling a bit lonely, so I stopped and said hello.
M: And you began to chat.
W: Yes. Anyway, they didn’t have anyone to speak English to and I knew a little bit of Greek, but I wanted to learn more. So we agreed to meet every day for a week and speak English for half an hour and then Greek for half an hour. Anyway, I found that I was really enjoying the English half hour, and I was quite good at it! So I did some more study. And then I passed some teaching exams and I ended up with a really good job!
M: Wow! So that park walk started your teaching career.
W: Yes! And I’m nervous about speaking to people really, so if I hadn’t been brave enough, I wouldn’t have got my first job.
17．C 18．C 19．B 20．A
【原文】
M: Hello, everyone. I’ve come to talk to you today about a really successful product: coffee!
As some stories say, coffee was first consumed in Ethiopia, in Africa, dating back to the fifteenth century. However, a popular tale identifies the ninth century as when coffee was originally consumed as a drink. By the seventeenth century, it was enjoyed worldwide.
The tale goes that an Ethiopian farmer, Kaldi, spotted that his goats became energetic and didn’t sleep once they’d consumed the red, coffee beans. Then he took some of the beans with him. In those days, there was no professional chefs, so instead he gave them to a local leader, who initially rejected them and threw them onto a fire. The smell of the roasting beans changed his mind, leading him to create a tasty hot drink.
Coffee quickly spread to Yemen in southern Arabia. Not only was it enjoyed in people’s homes, but also in the world’s earliest coffee shops.
As the popularity grew in Europe, coffee shops appeared there too and became centers of social activity. Later, the British took coffee to North America.
56．has been used 57．showcasing 58．artistic 59．Obtained 60．that/which 61．to preserve 62．extremely 63．on 64．challenges 65．but/yet
66．One possible version
Dear Mr. Smith,
I’m Li Hua, a student in your class. I am writing to kindly ask for your help in revising an English poem I have written.
In order to participate in the English poem competition organized by the School English Club, I wrote an English poem. But as a non-native speaker, I often struggle with the touches of the language, and I believe your expertise would greatly enhance the quality of my work. The poem is attached to this email. I would be extremely grateful if you could provide feedback on its grammar, vocabulary, and overall flow. Thank you very much for your time and assistance.
Sincerely yours,
Li Hua
67．One possible version
I stood there, my basketball bag slung over my shoulder, completely astonished by their words. My throat tightened as I struggled to find the right response. “I…I don’t know what to say,” I finally managed, my voice cracking slightly. “I thought tonight was a failure, but hearing this…it means more than any game we could have won.” Emily stepped forward and handed me a small blue and gold ribbon — our school colors. “We made these for the whole team,” she explained. “to remind you that you’re all champions to us, no matter what the scoreboard says.” As I took the ribbon, I felt a warmth spread through me, melting away the disappointment of the loss.
When I got home, the porch light was on, and I could see my parents waiting through the living room window. As I opened the door, my little sister came running, her eyes wide with excitement. “Mike! Mike! Did you win ” she asked eagerly. I knelt down to her level and showed her the ribbon. “We didn’t win the game,” I said, “but something even more important happened tonight.” As we sat around the kitchen table, I told them about the students’ unexpected show of support. My mom’s eyes glistened with tears as she listened, and my dad put a firm hand on my shoulder. “That,” he said, “is what true victory looks like.” That night, as I lay in bed, the ribbon pinned to my bulletin board, I realized that while my time as a high school basketball player was over, the lessons and connections I’d made would stay with me forever.
