BAGHDAD, May 13 (UPI) -- Iraqi citizens, local leaders and a representative from the Ministry of Education attended a ceremony marking the completion of a girls' school in Mahmudiyah.

Officials with the U.S. Army managed a three-month construction project at the Omah Moktar School for Girls in Mahmudiyah, located about 12 miles south of Baghdad.

The 600-student facility received general interior upgrades to its classrooms and auditorium, while the exterior structure was reinforced to provide additional safety to the students, the U.S. military said.

"The educational environment was greatly enhanced and helped to bolster pride in their school," said project manager 1st Lt. Jason Potter.

Students greeted a delegation of local councilmen and Qaid al-Hanni of the Ministry of Education with songs and poems.

Hanni told the students and other representatives that the new school provided a better learning environment for Iraqi children to thrive.