Many students in the class of 2020 missed out on a traditional graduation ceremony because of pandemic restrictions.

But with vaccinations ramping up, an Upstate lawmaker wants to ensure that doesn't happen again this year. 

State Senator Jim Tedisco is calling on the state Department of Health to issue new guidelines so students can safely celebrate graduations across the state. 

With entertainment and sports venues now allowed to reopen with capacity limits, Tedisco says schools and colleges should also be permitted to hold graduation ceremonies.

Tedisco is calling for new protocols to be put in place by April 15 so schools across the state have time to plan for these events.