TUSTIN, Calif. (KDVR) — They never even met. But Eddie Miguel is inspired by Columbine High School shooting victim Lauren Townsend every day when he walks the halls of the California special needs school he co-founded, Port View Preparatory.

“I think Lauren continues to give blessings,” Miguel told FOX31.

It’s clear from the Columbine Rebels pullover he often wears to the office: The shooting 25 years ago this week had a profound impact on him. But he never anticipated how a visit to Columbine a few months after the tragedy would change the trajectory of his life.

Miguel played rugby at the University of Arizona, where Lauren’s family set up an award in her honor — the Lauren Townsend Award. Miguel was the very first recipient, back in 2000. He came to Columbine, met then-principal Frank DeAngelis and Townsend’s family, and realized he had to find a way to honor those who had just honored him.

“I wish more people had that kind of experience, because it does add purpose and value to what you do,” Miguel said.

He knew he wanted to make an impact on the lives of others. That eventually led him to Port View Preparatory, a school that he and his business partner moved heaven and earth to open. They now have two campuses in southern California, where they serve children and young adults with special needs, giving them the tools they need to learn, live, work and contribute.

It’s the kind of work that brings purpose to his life.

“It instilled in me the importance of legacy,” he said.

And it’s the kind of purpose Townsend’s family had hoped for when they honored Miguel all those years ago.

“Eddie makes Lauren proud, us proud, every single day of his life,” said Bruce Beck, Townsend’s stepfather.