The Arkansas Communication and Theatre Arts Association (ACTAA) is proud to announce that Matt Brown has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Heart of ACTAA Award, recognizing his decade of transformative service to the students of Conway High School’s Speech, Debate, and Mock Trial programs.

Brown, a Conway-based attorney, state representative, and dedicated community leader, first joined Conway High School’s Mock Trial program as a volunteer coach in 2016, the same year the school entered the competition for the first time. Over the past ten years, his leadership has helped the program grow from a brand-new team to one of the strongest in Arkansas, earning three state championships, multiple runner-up finishes, and three appearances at the National High School Mock Trial Championship. Beyond awards, Brown’s mentorship has inspired countless students to pursue careers in law, political science, and public service.

More than a coach, Brown has been a consistent mentor and advocate for students—sacrificing time, resources, and energy to support their growth. From teaching courtroom procedures to fostering confidence and teamwork, his influence has reached far beyond the courtroom. He has also provided meals, funded travel, written recommendation letters, and created opportunities for students to see the legal system in action.

“Matt Brown represents the very heart of ACTAA’s mission,” said ACTAA President Zackery Tucker. “He has invested in students not only as competitors, but as young leaders. His work exemplifies the kind of service, compassion, and commitment that makes lasting change—not just for individual students, but for entire communities.”

Casey Griffith, Conway High School Speech & Debate teacher, added: “Matt has a gift for making the law accessible and understandable to high school students. He doesn’t just tell them what to do—he makes sure they understand why they’re doing it. I’ve watched students walk into our Mock Trial program shy, uncertain, and insecure—and walk out determined, confident, and ready to lead. That transformation is because of Matt.”

The Heart of ACTAA Award is given annually to honor individuals who embody the spirit of ACTAA through extraordinary dedication to students and programs across Arkansas. Brown’s decade of selfless service has left an indelible mark on the Conway community and will continue to inspire generations of students to come.

As Heart of ACTAA, Brown will be nominated by the association for the National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFHS) Heart of the Arts award this winter.

The Arkansas Communication and Theatre Arts Association (ACTAA) is a non-profit professional organization serving educators. Its purpose is to promote communication, debate, forensics and theatre as an essential discipline, life skill, and art form. Additionally, ACTAA is the official sanctioning organization authorized by the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) and National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFHS) to govern interscholastic speech and debate competition in Arkansas.