(06/02/06) WASHINGTON D.C. ? A Spring Lake girl has proven herself to be the nation?s top speller with a victory at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Katharine Close took the crown Thursday night by spelling out U-R-S-P-R-A-C-H-E, Ursprache. The word is German in origin and refers to a parent language. Close knows many times a victory in the bee comes down to luck of the draw. The champ says you can study for hours upon hours, but it all comes down to being presented with a word you actually know.

Close finished up with $42,000 in cash and prizes. Her latest entry marked her fifth straight appearance in the bee.