Becoming a police officer is something Cienna Pleoger has long considered a career option.  But recently she tried some ride-alongs to make sure it was right for her.  The high school senior from a small central Minnesota town found herself riding through the streets of Minneapolis. 

"Each street that I would pass would be a different nationality or race.  It was very diverse and I like that," she said.  "Pleoger has a decided the pace of activity in a city and department like Minneapolis is something she would prefer.  And those who know her well seem to agree.

"I've been impressed with Cienna's composure during difficult situations at practice and in her personal life.  She's handled every situation with maturity," said Nadia Fischler-Danzeisen, a coach at Becker High School.  "When I say that she's a true leader, it's because she does things that people wouldn't notice or know about if they weren't told."

Pleoger began taking classes last year at St. Cloud State University as a high school junior.  But for now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pace of activity has become frustratingly slow.  School sports like track are cancelled and classes at both high school and college have shifted online.  There is more time to consider how she wants to distinguish herself in new challenges down the road.

"There aren't a lot of women choosing this profession,” Pleoger says.  “But I'd like to show that it's possible to have a successful career and be a role model to women who are interested in law enforcement."