Wakeland High School DECA students are headed to Atlanta this weekend for the International Career Development Conference after months of preparation.

Thirty DECA members will travel Friday to compete in individual events over the next several days. Opening session is scheduled for Saturday, with competition beginning Sunday and Monday. Awards ceremonies will be held Tuesday, when students will learn whether they placed among the top 10 competitors in the world.

In addition to competing, students will have time to explore Atlanta’s attractions, including the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium and Restaurant Row.

“Georgia has so many amazing places to visit,” sophomore Anya Sharma said. “I can’t wait to explore them with my friends.”

Wakeland will be represented in 13 events across role-play and prepared competition categories. Many students have spent the entire school year developing their projects and sharpening their skills.

“I’ve been doing a lot of practice and studying this year, and I’m glad it’s taken me this far,” junior Isabel Paik said. “I’m so excited that I get to compete at this level.”

The conference gives students a chance to compete, meet peers from around the world and build lasting memories. After months of hard work, Wakeland’s DECA members are ready to showcase their talent on an international stage.