第二节完形填空（共20小题；每小题1分，满分20分）
阅读下面的短文，掌握其大意，然后从21~40各题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项。
Russ was a lovable kid with a variety of communication challenges---a speech impediment (语言障碍), dyslexia (诵读困难), and auditory problems. __21__ today he is walking confidently, standing tall to make an acceptance __22__ for having been chosen one of the “Outstanding Young Citizens” in Ocean County, New Jersey __23__ his remarkable volunteer service in the town of Toms River.
As I listened, I closed my eyes. I found myself __24__ those memorable moments. My mind was full of warm images of Russ as a loving, caring youth, a gentle soul, __25__ his challenges. And now, as he stood at the platform, I knew his heart __26__ be racing. As Russ continued to speak, I thought about the fateful day when he was diagnosed with all those impairments(损伤) and how __27__ his tutors would be if they could see him today. Here he was at twenty-nine, being honored for ten years of service as a volunteer __28__. Russ was __29__ for organizing clothing for the homeless, teaching preschool children about fire safety, and for playing Santa Claus for very sick children by driving up in a fire truck.
Russ thanked his parents for providing him with dignity and for teaching him about morals. Then, pausing for a few seconds, he __30__ us by surprise by touching lovingly on the __31__ of his nephew, Austin. Austin was just three years old when he died from an incurable disease. At that moment, I had to close my eyes again __32__ a different set of tears ran down my cheeks. A silence __33__ the room as Russ owed his volunteer award to Austin. He __34__ his address by lifting up the audience with these words, “Austin taught me how to love.”
I have never thought of this day. __35__, no one had ever thought that Russ would made __36__ as the star of the football team, and he had never been voted “most likely to succeed,” but he __37__ to be a true “star” in his community. Russ became a man of strong character __38__ his unselfish service to others. With so many impairments, Russ now sees and acts __39__ with his heart. His words and deeds inspire everyone who knows him. It is Russ, our son, who has shown us what __40__ is.
21. A. And      B. While C. As      D. But
22. A. point    B. speech C. call     D. appeal
23. A. in spite of    B. regardless of      C. because of  D. in face of
24. A. recalling      B. recording   C. seizing       D. expecting
25. A. facing up to B. concerning about       C. escaping from    D. putting up with
26. A. could    B. might  C. would D. must
27. A. nervous       B. excited       C. proud  D. surprised
28. A. policeman    B. tailor  C. tutor   D. fireman
29. A. grateful       B. responsible C. anxious      D. fit
30. A. took     B. got     C. shocked      D. moved
31. A. birth     B. achievement      C. loss     D. disease
32. A. since    B. after   C. when  D. before
33. A. dropped down     B. got up C. took off     D. fell over
34. A. concluded    B. wrote  C. delivered    D. started
35. A. Generally     B. Surprisingly      C. Actually     D. However
36. A. it  B. him    C. one     D. that
37. A. happened     B. rose    C. appeared    D. reduced
38. A. at  B. on      C. by      D. in
39. A. cautiously    B. generously  C. closely       D. clearly
40. A. sharing B. love    C. sacrifice     D. confidence