Memorial Scholarship for Trooper Nick Cayton

Established at the YSU Foundation

Pictured above – Steve Murphy and Lynsey Cayton holding the signed scholarship agreement for the Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton “231” Memorial Scholarship.

At Birdfish Brewery on March 17, criteria for a memorial scholarship honoring Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton were signed and completed during a fundraising event that was held in Trooper Nick Cayton’s honor.

The Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton “231” Memorial Scholarship was established at Youngstown State University Foundation 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 his 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,” said Steve Murphy.

“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,” said Lynsey Cayton. “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, where he continued his service to the people of Ohio with dedication, professionalism, and integrity.

Trooper 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.

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 County, 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 2027-2028 academic year.