by Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

It’s difficult to forget the disturbing stories from this past summer when a gunman opened fire in an Aurora, Colo., movie theater, killing 12 people and leaving more than 50 others injured.

One student was killed from Gateway High School, the local Aurora high school located 1.2 miles from the theater, while 60 Gateway students were at the theater during the incident. The high school served as a gathering place for information about the shooting.

The Denver Nuggets hosted an exclusive scrimmage for the students at Gateway on Wednesday night as a way to to show support for the students and faculty of the school. They held their annual scrimmage in front of an estimated 1,600 Gateway students and staff members.

“It’s been another great example of the community support we’ve had,” Gateway principal Bill Hedges said. “I got a little emotional at the beginning of the game because our kids and our staff have been through so much … I think you’ve made (1,600) lifelong Nuggets fans here tonight.”

“I don’t think there’s anybody in this building who wasn’t affected to some degree. It was a pretty tough day for us. There have been so many awesome stories and events that have happened since then that restore your faith in humanity after a tragedy like that.”

Nuggets players were reportedly active with the students, showing their support, and felt honored to be a part of the event.

“They definitely have our support,” Nuggets center Kosta Koufos said, according to the Nuggets website. “You heard stories about boyfriends taking bullets for their girlfriends. They’re definitely the true heroes. They were very courageous.”

… [For more on Nuggets scrimmage in Aurora HS near theater shooting, click here.]