For Linda Horton, being named New Iberia’s Citizen of the Year is more than just an honor—it’s a reflection of a lifelong love for her hometown and a deep-rooted commitment to education, service, and community pride.

“I am what you would call a true New Iberia girl,” Horton said. “I was born and raised right here, and I’ve lived here all my life. Yes, sir, I love my city.”

That passion for her hometown can be seen in every corner of her life, from her career as an educator to her role as co-founder of the Iberia Driving Academy. Horton began her professional life in the public school system before making the leap into small business ownership in 2013 alongside her husband, Allen. 

“I never thought I’d be teaching people how to drive,” she laughed. “But here we are, all these years later.”

The idea to start her own driving school came while she was working at Catholic High School, helping run a program that had transferred from Ascension Episcopal. A colleague took notice of her dedication and encouraged her to open her own school.

At Iberia Driving Academy, the Hortons combine state-required curriculum with real-world education. Students attend 30 hours of classroom instruction before getting behind the wheel.

“I try to bring diversity into the classroom. Driving education isn’t the most exciting topic, so I bring in voices to show the impact of safe driving,” she said. “Then we hit the road and start from scratch. We go over everything—turn signals, mirrors, the lines on the road. When that light bulb goes off and the student gets it—that’s the magic.”

Horton credits her love of teaching to her upbringing and family. Her mother, Delores Landry, was her greatest inspiration.

“My mom always told me, ‘It’s going to be OK. Take it one step at a time and do the best you can.’ And that’s what I do,” Horton said. “I want to dedicate this award to her.”

A childhood love of learning and “playing teacher” sparked Horton’s interest in education early on. Her family was full of teachers, and she always knew her path would lead to the classroom—not the clinic.

“My brain works like a teacher’s brain,” she said. “Don’t call me if you’re sick—I can’t save you! But if a kid doesn’t know how to turn right, I’ll figure out a way to teach them.”

Outside of her business, Horton is known as a reliable and spirited supporter of New Iberia. Whether she’s volunteering her time, helping with local events, or fielding calls about where the Easter Bunny is appearing, Horton has become a go-to figure in town.

“I’m not the New Iberia directory,” she joked, “but people call me like I am—and the funny thing is, I usually know the answer.”

Horton’s deep civic pride extends beyond her business. She sees her work and volunteerism as part of a larger mission to uplift the city that has always supported her.

“When we opened the school, we named it Iberia Driving Academy because I wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to me,” she said. “Without Iberia, my office wouldn’t be open. This award means everything because it comes from my people.”

Ask Horton about New Iberia, and her face lights up.

“This city has so much to offer,” she said. “People say there’s nothing to do, and I’m like—do you see how tired I am? There’s always something happening! From Shadows-on-the-Teche to Tabasco, to our culture and our food—we are rich in history and heart.”

She remembers the advice she received years ago from a mentor during Leadership Iberia.

“She asked me, ‘When you travel, where do you say you’re from?’ I said Lafayette, because people don’t always know New Iberia. She told me, ‘No ma’am. You tell them you’re from New Iberia. Be proud of it.’ That stuck with me.”

As New Iberia’s Citizen of the Year, Linda Horton hopes to continue welcoming people to her beloved town, sharing its stories, and shaping its future—one student, one neighbor, and one heartfelt greeting at a time.

“I’m not Miss New Iberia in the pageant sense,” she said with a smile, “but if there’s a project in this city, I probably know about it or helped plan it. I just love my city.”