Submitted photo Steve Murphy and Lynsey Cayton hold the signed scholarship agreement for the Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton “231” Memorial Scholarship at the Youngstown State University Foundation. Cayton was killed Oct. 16 after his cruiser was struck from behind by a semi on state Route 11 in Canfield while he was assisting another truck driver.

YOUNGSTOWN — Criteria for a memorial scholarship honoring Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper Nicholas P. Cayton was finalized and signed during a fundraising event in his honor earlier this month at Birdfish Brewery in Columbiana.

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

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

“This scholarship was created to honor the kind of person he was — someone who cared about his community and wanted to make a difference in the lives of others,” Lynsey Cayton said. “Knowing that students will have opportunities in his name is incredibly meaningful to our family. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this scholarship possible and for continuing to remember him in such an impactful way.”

A graduate of Youngstown State University, Cayton earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2010, preparing him for a career in law enforcement. Before becoming a state trooper, Cayton 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, demonstrating his commitment to protecting others both at home and abroad.

Cayton began his law enforcement career with the Minerva Police Department and worked at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center, gaining valuable experience in public safety and corrections. In 2012, he achieved his goal of becoming a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Cayton is remembered for his strong sense of duty, his service to his country and community, and the lasting impact he made on those who had the privilege to know and serve alongside him.

Cayton most recently worked at the Canfield post of the patrol and he was killed Oct. 16 after his cruiser was struck from behind by a semi on state Route 11 in Canfield while he was assisting another truck driver.

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. This scholarship is a great way to honor his legacy for the next generations to follow,” said Elena Slemons, Associate Development Officer of the YSU Foundation.

The scholarship will be awarded for the first time during YSU’s 2027-28 academic year.