Dacula valedictorian overcomes Tourette's Syndrome - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

Valedictorian is the highest academic honor a high school student can earn. It represents hard work, dedication and focus, but for Dacula High School valedictorian Cory Zeller, it means even more. 

During his scholastic career, Zeller has battled an often misunderstood disorder.  He is Dacula's first valedictorian with Tourette's Syndrome, but when he takes the stage to give his commencement speech on Wednesday night, most people in the crowd will have no idea what he's been through.

"I had him for two years in band and never knew," said Doug Harkness, Dacula's band director.

"Only my neighbor who lives down the street, who has been my best friend since kindergarten, really knows," Cory said.  "The rest of my friends may have an idea and some teachers may have an idea, but I don't think they would have ever placed a label on it."

Tourette's Syndrome is a hereditary brain disorder that causes vocal or body ticks, and sometimes obsessive compulsive behavior.  FOX 5 has been following Cory's progress since he was diagnosed in the first grade. 

"Sometimes at home I spin around on the floor. I get really dizzy but that's a part of it too," Cory said in an interview in 2001.

Zeller says over time the effects of the disorder have lessened. But it's something that's always there, and over the years he has had to learn how to adapt and assimilate into his environment.

Cory adapted, and he did so without any medication.  His teachers say the only label they'd give him is dedicated.

"He just always worked harder, tried harder, asked more questions, and did what he needed to do to get it," said Latin teacher Lindsey Campbell.

"He never thinks he's too good. He doesn't think that he's too smart not to learn something else or to better himself," said AP teacher Lesley Buchanan.

Other than when he's nervous, Cory says he's learned how to channel and suppress his Tourette's symptoms. It's a skill that has served him well in Dacula's marching band, sports and academics, and most of his friends are still none the wiser.

"Everybody has some sort of issue in the world. And I think, honestly, deep down inside, everybody faces some sort of OCD, some sort of small, little disorder within them," Zeller said.  "And I think that no matter what, you just have to persevere and not worry about what other people think.  Because in the end, your family and your friends are all that matter."

After graduation, Cory plans to join his older sister, Emily, at Mercer University in Macon.  In all, he received more than $500,000 in scholarship offers.  After college, Cory says he someday hopes to join the Peace Corps.

Cory Zeller is the son of FOX 5 Sports executive producer Chip Zeller.

For more information on Tourette's Syndrome, click here for a link to the National Tourette's Syndrome Association website.