The Arkansas Communication and Theatre Arts Association (ACTAA) is proud to announce that Matthew Brown has been named a 2026 recipient of the NFHS Heart of the Arts award by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), recognizing his decade-long transformative impact on Conway High School’s Speech, Debate, and Mock Trial programs. Brown was one of only 21 individuals in the nation to receive the award.

A Conway-based attorney, state representative, and committed community leader, Brown began volunteering with Conway High School’s Mock Trial program in 2016—the same year the school debuted in competition. Over the past ten years, his guidance has helped the program grow from a fledgling team into one of Arkansas’ top contenders, earning three state championships, multiple runner-up finishes, and three appearances at the National High School Mock Trial Championship. Beyond trophies, Brown’s mentorship has inspired countless students to pursue careers in law, political science, and public service.

Brown’s dedication extends far beyond coaching. He has devoted countless hours to teaching courtroom procedures, building confidence, fostering teamwork, and supporting students with meals, travel funding, recommendation letters, and opportunities to observe the legal system firsthand. His commitment reflects a deep investment in students’ personal and professional growth.

Each year, the NFHS Heart of the Arts Award honors individuals or groups involved in high school speech, debate, or theatre in Arkansas who exemplify outstanding character, service, and dedication. Recipients are recognized for acts of leadership, sportsmanship, community service, or for overcoming challenges that reflect the positive impact of education-based arts programs.

“Rep. Brown represents the very heart of ACTAA’s mission,” said ACTAA President Zackery Tucker. “He has nurtured students not just as competitors, but as future leaders. His service, compassion, and commitment create lasting impact—not only for individual students, but for entire communities.”

Conway High School Speech & Debate teacher Casey Griffith added, “Matt has a remarkable ability to make the law accessible and meaningful to high school students. He doesn’t just instruct—they understand the why behind every lesson. Students enter our Mock Trial program shy and uncertain, and emerge confident, determined, and ready to lead. That transformation is all because of Matt.”

As a 2025 Heart of ACTAA recipient, Brown was nominated by ACTAA for the NFHS Heart of the Arts awards.

The Arkansas Communication and Theatre Arts Association (ACTAA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting communication, debate, forensics, and theatre as essential skills and art forms. ACTAA is the official sanctioning body authorized by the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) and the National Federation of State High Schools (NFHS) to oversee interscholastic speech and debate competitions in Arkansas.

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Photo Caption: Arkansas State Representative Matthew Brown accepts the 2025 Heart of ACTAA Award from ACTAA President Zackery Tucker and Conway Speech & Debate educator Casey Griffith at the ACTAA Annual Conference in Hot Springs on August 30, 2025.