Sen. Daniel Akaka accepted the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development‘s highest honor on Monday. The nonprofit singled out Akaka for his financial literacy advocacy, according to a spokesman for the senator.

Here’s an excerpt of Akaka’s prepared remarks for the society’s luncheon: 

“My interest in financial literacy began in my childhood – I learned the value of saving by watching my parents make difficult decisions about the family budget. They made sure that we were healthy and received a quality education, all within their limited means.

“I also had a teacher who got us to think about saving our money for the purpose of obtaining a goal – although it was probably just a clever way to get us to do our math exercises. But I shined shoes, and I filled my piggy bank with those lessons.”

In the Senate, Akaka has pushed for financial education reform, and drafted provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act to protect consumers. 

Photo courtesy of Jesse Broder Van Dyke, spokesman for Akaka