Atmore Advance sports editor Matthew Nascone was recently promoted to sports editor of The Messenger, a sister newspaper to the Advance. His last day in Atmore was Friday.

“I have enjoyed my time here in Atmore and I am glad I got to meet all the people I did through my job and outside of work,” Nascone said.

Nascone is appreciative to all those who took him under their wings while in Atmore.

“I would like to thank all the coaches, principals, teachers, parents and anyone else who helped me for all their hard work,” he said. “I would not have been able to do my job if it was not for your dedication to the students and kids in the Atmore area. I will miss all those people immensely and I wish them all the best in the future.”

Nascone, 25, began his career with Boone Newspapers, Inc. in 2005, joining The Atmore Advance on Oct. 31 following graduation from Auburn University earlier that year. Throughout his tenure in Atmore, he took over a newly dedicated sports section and developed it into one of the top among weekly newspapers.

“Matthew has done a great job the past two years in Atmore,” Atmore Newspapers, Inc. publisher Adam Prestridge said. “His shoes will be big ones to fill, but he leaves behind a well-balanced and organized sports section that whomever replaces him will have the tools needed to succeed.”

Last year, Nascone captured his first two Alabama Press Association awards, winning second place Best Sports Section and first place Best Single Event Sports Story among small weekly newspapers. Prestridge said although he hates to see Nascone leave Atmore, he is delighted that he is advancing his career with BNI.

“I am pleased that Matt is continuing his career with Boone Newspapers, Inc.,” Prestridge said. “He is a valuable asset to the company and I am confident that he will find much success in Troy. I’m proud of his accomplishments and anxious to see his career continue to advance.”

While in Atmore, Nascone has been an active member of the Atmore Lions Club and a member of the parish council at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church.

Nascone will miss the three schools he has covered while working at the Advance.

“I will always remember the two plus years I had in Atmore and I have one thing to say before leaving, ‘Go Blue Devils, go Cougars and go Chiefs!!,” Nascone said.