The building stirs community memories of proms, family reunions and retirement parties, and now has new life as a school of the 21st century, said Darrell Johnson, the head of the senior school and assistant headmaster.

“It was a way of life for people and utilized for so many different things,” said Jana Allen, community relations coordinator.

And the $1.8 million renovation is putting life back in the building, giving the students a solid foundation and preparing them for the digital age.

Johnson said there are “smart boards” in very classroom. These provide teachers Internet access and can be hooked up to a student’s laptop.

They are teaching aids that teach technology while the teacher is giving instruction on the curriculum.

A school with small town values and strong academics is what East Wake Academy strives to be, said Headmaster Brandon Smith.

And if its growth is any indication at this Zebulon charter school, the community likes what it sees.

“Our population has certainly doubled over the past 10 years,” said Smith.

To make room for the growth, the school undertook the latest expansion.

Smith said student enrollment now stands at 940 in grades K through 12. Plans call for enrollment to eventually increase to about 1,200 students.

And a Phase II expansion of the school is planned.

Financing for the civic center renovation with 11 classrooms was secured through a federal loan. Charter schools do not receive capital outlay money from Wake County. But they do receive a per-pupil share of tax money designated by the county for schools. That and funds from a foundation East Wake Academy is establishing will pay the debt service on the building.

U.S. Sen. Richard Burr will be at the school Aug. 20 to help the school celebrate the United States Department of Agriculture financing that has resulted in new school facilities.

“I think what we have tried to do is fill a real community need,” said Smith. “We focus on being a good neighbor — what can this school do in this community, what is the need?”

The community also supports the school.

Allen said at its recent grand opening, the Zebulon, Wendell and Knightdale chambers of commerce helped. Students, the school’s community business partners and town officials, and members of the community toured the building.

Smith also said getting parents involved in their children’s education is important.

The principal said East Wake Academy had been true to its vision since it started 10 years ago. He believes the school meets its goal of putting together a high school with a good college preparatory program.

He said all 30 students in the 2008 graduating class were accepted at a college or university.

“I’m very proud of the students,” he said.