YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A memorial scholarship has been established at the Youngstown State University Foundation in honor of fallen Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper Nicholas P. Cayton.

The Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton “231” Memorial Scholarship was established by the Steel Valley Pipes and Drums – a pipe and drum group he was a founding member of – Steve Murphy, his friend and fellow trooper, and Cayton’s wife, Lynsey.

Scholarship criteria were finalized March 17 during a fundraising event in Cayton’s honor at Birdfish Brewery in Columbiana. 

“I am honored to be a part of the foundation of this scholarship in Nick’s name,” Murphy said in a news release. “His legacy will live on forever this way; that’s what Nick and his family deserve.” 

Cayton’s widow, Lynsey, said in the news release that the scholarship was created to honor the kind of person he was, someone who cared about his community and wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives.

“Knowing that students will have opportunities in his name is incredibly meaningful to our family,” she said. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this scholarship possible and for continuing to remember him in such an impactful way.”

Cayton earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from YSU in 2010. Before becoming a state trooper, he served in the Ohio Army National Guard, where he completed two overseas deployments in support of military operations. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 and later to Afghanistan in 2013.

Cayton was killed Oct. 16 when his cruiser was struck by a semitruck on state Route 11 in Canfield. Cayton was assisting a disabled vehicle at the time.

Cayton began his law enforcement career with the Minerva Police Department and worked at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center. In 2012, he became a state trooper.

To be awarded the Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton “231” Memorial Scholarship, a student must be majoring in criminal justice with a minimum 2.5 GPA. There is a preference for students from Mahoning or Columbiana counties, and those who have demonstrated community service.

“It was an honor to work with Steve, Lynsey and the Steel Valley Pipes and Drums to create this scholarship in honor of trooper Cayton,” said Elena Slemons, YSU Foundation associate development officer. “This scholarship is a great way to honor his legacy for the next generations to follow.” 

The first scholarship will be awarded during YSU’s 2027-2028 academic year.  

Pictured at top: Steve Murphy and Lynsey Cayton.