No. The application deadline (11:45 p.m., Central time, September 15) and all other deadlines are absolute – no extensions allowed.

The dress code is basically common sense. Impress the judges by being clean, tidy and well groomed. Dresses, skirts and pants are all acceptable. Low-heeled shoes are the safest on slippery Capitol floors.

No, we provide lunch for competitors at no charge, from the Capitol’s approved vendor. You are not allowed to bring food into the building, unless the vendor cannot supply your medically necessary diet.

We want Speaking Proudly to be as fair as possible. We’re Republicans, so we believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to succeed and everyone should be judged solely on the basis of merit, meaning the quality of the application and speech.

We want students to apply who are committed to competing. The $50 refundable deposit is an incentive to accomplish that. Any student who accepts an invitation to compete but fails to participate deprives another applicant of the opportunity. To pay your deposit or learn more about deposit refunds, go to speakingproudly.org/deposit.

Yes, definitely. There’s no restriction on having more than one student from the same family, school or town.

Yes. Capitol facilities are handicapped accessible, with elevators serving all floors and accessible competition rooms, restrooms and other spaces. A Speaking Proudly volunteer can help you, if you wish.

Yes, they can listen from the gallery when you speak in the House of Representatives Chamber. Also, the final round in the Rotunda is open to them.

It probably will be, if you’re serious about giving an excellent speech. Presenting your best-possible speech can be rewarding academically, emotionally and, perhaps, financially.